The electrifying atmosphere of Chicago’s United Center was abuzz with anticipation, a palpable tension hanging in the air as AEW Worlds End, the company’s final major event of the year, reached its climactic conclusion. For months, the AEW World Championship, the undisputed pinnacle of the promotion’s male singles division, had been held aloft by Samoa Joe, a veteran powerhouse whose reign was marked by a blend of brutal physicality and cunning opportunism. However, the narrative that had dominated AEW programming for the better part of two years was about to come full circle, culminating in a seismic shift at the very top of the card. Maxwell Jacob Friedman, the enigmatic and undeniably charismatic Maxwell Jacob Friedman, affectionately known as MJF, was poised to reclaim the championship he had once held for a record-breaking tenure.
MJF’s journey back to the summit of AEW was a masterclass in strategic storytelling and fan engagement. His previous reign, a remarkable 406 days from Full Gear 2022 to the inaugural Worlds End event in December 2023, had cemented his status as a generational talent. He had navigated a treacherous landscape of challengers, often employing his signature blend of verbal warfare and underhanded tactics to retain the coveted title. His subsequent absence, fueled by legitimate injury concerns and a well-crafted narrative of rehabilitation and redemption, had left a void in the championship picture that felt both significant and deeply missed by a large segment of the AEW fanbase. The return of MJF earlier that month, a surprise intervention during a heated three-way confrontation involving Joe, Swerve Strickland, and Hangman Adam Page, immediately signaled his intentions. Armed with the leverage of a guaranteed championship opportunity secured through a victory in the Casino Gauntlet match at All In: Texas, MJF had inserted himself back into the main event conversation, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation.
The main event itself was a pulsating four-way battle that showcased the diverse talents within AEW’s formidable roster. Samoa Joe entered the contest as the reigning champion, his imposing presence a constant threat. His challengers, Hangman Adam Page, Swerve Strickland, and the returning MJF, each brought their unique skill sets and motivations to the squared circle. Page, a former champion himself, was desperate to regain the gold and reassert his dominance. Strickland, a rising star with an increasingly aggressive persona, was eager to capture his first world title and solidify his position as a top contender. And then there was MJF, the prodigal son, aiming to reclaim what he believed was rightfully his.
The match unfolded with a frenetic pace, a testament to the high stakes involved. The early stages saw a strategic dance between the four competitors, each looking for an opening, each wary of the others’ offensive capabilities. Samoa Joe, utilizing his immense strength and submission expertise, sought to isolate his opponents, his veteran instincts guiding his every move. Hangman Page, known for his hard-hitting style and resilience, unleashed his signature offense, the crowd roaring with approval with each impactful maneuver. Swerve Strickland, ever the showman and tactician, employed a more calculated approach, looking to exploit any weaknesses and capitalize on opportune moments.
As the match progressed, the interference from Samoa Joe’s stable, the Undisputed Kingdom, became a significant factor. Members like Hook, Katsuyori Shibata, and Powerhouse Hobbs emerged, attempting to sway the momentum in Joe’s favor. However, the chaotic nature of a four-way contest meant that alliances were fleeting and distractions could be exploited by any competitor. Swerve Strickland found himself in a critical position, attempting to secure a decisive blow on Joe. Yet, the unpredictable nature of wrestling intervened. MJF, seizing the moment, intervened with a low blow to Joe, a tactic that had become synonymous with his persona. This dastardly act opened the door for Page, who delivered a thunderous Buckshot Lariat.
The sequence that led to the finish was a brutal ballet of near-falls and desperate defenses. Joe, having absorbed significant punishment, found himself vulnerable. Page, sensing victory, landed two devastating Buckshot Lariats, each one seemingly capable of ending the contest. As Page prepared for a third, a decisive blow that would have likely secured him the championship, MJF made his move. He slid into the ring, not to assist Page, but to capitalize on the chaos. A swift, well-timed low blow to Joe, followed by his devastating finisher, the Heat Seeker, sealed the deal. The referee’s hand hit the mat for the third time, signaling the end of Samoa Joe’s reign and the crowning of a new AEW World Champion.
The victory marked MJF’s second ascent to the pinnacle of AEW. His first reign was a landmark achievement, a testament to his ability to connect with the audience, both as a despised villain and, at times, a begrudgingly admired anti-hero. His ability to consistently deliver compelling promos and engage in captivating feuds had made him the face of the company for an extended period. The narrative of his return and subsequent victory at Worlds End was a powerful testament to his enduring appeal and his talent for crafting memorable storylines.
Samoa Joe’s second reign as AEW World Champion, while ultimately falling short of matching the longevity of MJF’s first, was nonetheless a significant chapter in the company’s history. His victory over Hangman Adam Page at Full Gear just a month prior had been a statement of intent, signaling a return to dominance for the veteran. Joe’s championship matches had been characterized by their intensity and physicality, often featuring brutal brawls and high-stakes submissions. His leadership of the Undisputed Kingdom had also injected a new dynamic into the AEW landscape, creating a powerful faction that sought to control the promotion from within. The end of his reign, however, paved the way for new narratives and new challenges.
The immediate aftermath of MJF’s victory saw the wrestling world buzzing with speculation about his future. The announcement of his first title defense was swift and came as no surprise to those who have followed MJF’s career. He is slated to defend the AEW World Championship against Bandido on the "Maximum Carnage" edition of Dynamite, scheduled for January 14th. Bandido, the recent winner of the Dynamite Diamond ring, has earned his opportunity through a series of impressive performances, establishing himself as a legitimate contender. This matchup promises a clash of styles, pitting MJF’s cunning and opportunistic approach against Bandido’s high-flying acrobatics and technical prowess. Furthermore, MJF’s presence was also confirmed for the upcoming New Year’s Smash edition of Dynamite, indicating that his championship reign would immediately become a focal point of AEW’s programming.
The landscape of AEW has been irrevocably altered by the events of Worlds End. The crowning of Maxwell Jacob Friedman as the new AEW World Champion signifies a return to a familiar, yet undeniably exciting, chapter for the promotion. His ability to draw massive reactions from the crowd, coupled with his in-ring acumen, makes him a compelling figurehead for AEW as it heads into a new year. The questions now revolve around how long his reign will last, who will emerge as his next significant challenger, and how the Undisputed Kingdom, and Samoa Joe in particular, will react to this devastating setback. The return of MJF to the top of the mountain is not merely a change in championship, but a potential recalibration of AEW’s entire trajectory, promising more drama, more controversy, and more unforgettable moments in the months to come. The journey of Maxwell Jacob Friedman, the man who seemingly never ceases to captivate and confound, has once again reached its apex, and the wrestling world waits with bated breath to see what he will do next.
