AEW World Champion MJF addressed a controversial segment that occurred this week and why it was important to him. On this week’s AEW Dynamite Juice Robinson of the Bullet Club Gold declared his intent to enter next week’s Battle Royal. Robinson pulled out a roll of quarters with “Friedman” written on it and said he would knock MJF out with them.
This is a call back to when MJF was feuding with CM Punk and he told a story of him getting bullied in high school. MJF, who is Jewish was the victim of anti-Semitism by his high school football teammates. His teammates would use slurs and throw quarters at him on a regular basis according to MJF.
An irate MJF ended the segment by screaming at Robinson saying he would eat him alive if he came near him with those quarters. After the show, MJF took to X to condemn Robinson’s actions and dedicate the upcoming inevitable ass-whooping to everyone who has been bullied.
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“Tonight that piece of s***, Juice Robinson decided to bring up a story from my childhood that has left me scared. I’m glad he did. He brought awareness to something we’ve all gone through in one way, shape, or form in our lives.
On behalf of anyone who’s ever been bullied for being different in any capacity. I look forward to leaving him scared too. I also look forward to this Thursday #StandUpToJewishHate”
MJF Addresses Controversial AEW Dynamite Segment
MJF will defend his AEW World Championship against BCG leader Jay White at Full Gear on Nov. 18. During the lead-up to the match MJF will probably have many run-ins with the group. MJF has decided to put his Dynamite Diamond Ring up for grabs. The winner of the Battle Royal will have an opportunity to win the Dynamite Diamond Ring.
The segment garnered a lot of attention and not all of it was positive. MJF and AEW were criticized for the segment being anti-Semitic and in poor taste. It was also thought to be extremely poorly timed with the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine taking over the news.
MJF took to X to defend the segment and referenced a very controversial character from the mid-2000s in WWE. MJF made it clear that this kind of hate and bullying isn’t just on TV, but is something he has dealt with his entire life. He wrote in his post:
“Muhammad Hassan was portraying an evil Muslim terrorist.
I’m actually Jewish. I’ve actually gone through this. This is my real life!!!!! MY STORY!
And I Look forward to giving Catharsis to every single person who’s ever been oppressed or bullied.
If you think I’d play with that or take it lying down or WORST OF ALL Hide from the hard conversations like a coward…
You’re on crazy pills.
I look forward to the hard conversations this starts and creates. I look forward to people being further educated.
My life’s work is to stand up to any and all injustices done to people due to something as Stupid as being different.
To anyone that thinks that can’t be done through the avenue of professional wrestling. Then that’s an indictment on things that have happened in this sports past.
I look forward to bringing this sport into the present.
I look forward to knocking Juice Robinson’s teeth down his throat.
And most of all I look forward to getting back the Triple B!”
MJF has always been proud of his Jewish heritage and vocal about the hate and bullying he has received. He will be speaking at the “Stand up to Jewish hate” this week.
MJF has a great avenue and opportunity to get his point across on AEW TV. He is the AEW World champion and one of its most popular wrestlers. By the time he faces White at Full Gear, he will be the longest reigning AEW World champion of all time, he is currently the second longest.
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MJF is a different sort of wrestler than his AEW peers. In a recent interview with GQ, he talked about what makes him different and how he genuinely hates his opponents. He stated during the interview:
“That’s what makes it interesting. It’s visceral. You can see that through the screen and I’m making you have an emotional response. Other guys in our sport, they’re beating the shit out of each other and hitting moves that look crazy. And if you listen to the crowd, they’ll come up when the big thing happens. But you’ll also hear the big gaps of silence because they’re not emotionally invested in the participants.
You’re emotionally invested in MJF, and you’re emotionally invested in anybody I get in the ring with because I give you no choice. I’m involved, and you care about what I’m doing because you care about me.”
There is no doubt that MJF knows who he is and how to get the most out of his time on TV.
Do you think the Dynamite segment went too far? If so, do you think racism and/or anti-Semitism should never be discussed in wrestling, or was it just handled wrong? Do you think wrestling is a good avenue to discuss controversial topics? Let us know if you think similar segments will continue on AEW or if the controversy will halt it on The Illuminerdi’s social media.
SOURCE: MJF Tweet, Wrestling Inc., MJF Tweet, Wrestling Inc., GQ, Wrestling Inc.
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