The landscape of All Elite Wrestling’s championship picture is rarely static, but in the wake of Worlds End, the intensity has reached an unprecedented fever pitch. Maxwell Jacob Friedman, the self-proclaimed "Salt of the Earth" and the reigning AEW World Champion, stands at the epicentre of this maelstrom, his unshakeable confidence serving as both a shield and a magnet for the company’s elite. As confirmed by AEW, the polarizing champion is slated to appear live in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this Wednesday, January 7th, 2026, on Dynamite, an appearance that carries immense weight given the gauntlet of top-tier talent now openly vying for his coveted title and the immediate threat of Bandido looming on the horizon for the following week. This segment promises to be more than just a promotional spot; it will be MJF’s first direct opportunity to address the veritable army of contenders who have made their intentions disturbingly clear, setting the stage for what could be the most challenging period of his already historic reign.
MJF’s ascent to the pinnacle of AEW has been a carefully orchestrated symphony of arrogance, betrayal, and undeniable in-ring talent. From his early days in the company, he positioned himself as one of the "Pillars," a foundational talent destined for greatness, yet always with an undercurrent of disdain for the very fans who fueled the promotion’s growth. His "Better Than You" mantra isn’t merely a catchphrase; it’s the core tenet of his entire wrestling philosophy, a belief system he has consistently proven through a series of high-profile victories and psychological warfare. His ability to manipulate narratives, gaslight opponents, and ultimately deliver when the bright lights shine brightest has made him one of the most compelling and simultaneously reviled figures in professional wrestling. He embodies the classic heel archetype, yet with a modern sensibility that resonates deeply with audiences, eliciting passionate reactions that few others can command. This championship reign, which began in dramatic fashion and has seen him overcome various adversaries, is arguably the most significant of his career, solidifying his status as a main event player for years to come.
The most recent chapter in MJF’s storied career culminated at Worlds End, AEW’s final pay-per-view of the previous year. There, he successfully defended his AEW World Championship against Samoa Joe in a highly anticipated contest that had been brewing for months. The build-up to this confrontation was a masterclass in storytelling, intertwining their uneasy alliance within The Devil’s storyline with their ultimate collision for the ultimate prize. Joe, a veteran of countless wars across multiple promotions and a former AEW World Champion himself, represented a formidable obstacle, a physically dominant force whose experience and brutal efficiency posed a credible threat to MJF’s reign. Yet, as he so often does, MJF found a way to emerge victorious, once again proving his resilience and strategic prowess, albeit often through means that stretch the boundaries of sportsmanship. His victory at Worlds End was not just another title defense; it was a statement, a declaration that he was still the king of the mountain, despite the lingering questions about his physical state and the increasingly complex web of alliances and betrayals surrounding him.
However, the taste of victory was short-lived, as the immediate aftermath of Worlds End and the subsequent episode of Dynamite revealed a burgeoning threat landscape unlike anything MJF had encountered before. The champion’s characteristic post-match gloating was interrupted by a parade of legitimate contenders, each making it unequivocally clear that they had their sights set on his gold. This wasn’t merely a collection of hopefuls; it was a convergence of some of AEW’s most established, popular, and dangerous competitors, each with a compelling claim to a championship opportunity. The segment was a stark reminder of the depth of AEW’s roster and the competitive spirit that drives its top performers.
Among the first to emerge from the shadows was Kenny Omega, a name synonymous with AEW’s early success and widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of his generation. Omega, the "Best Bout Machine," a former AEW World Champion himself, appeared on screen to deliver a pointed message to MJF. Despite acknowledging the long road he might have to travel to earn another shot at the gold, Omega’s tone was resolute, his intent unmistakable. His return from various physical ailments has always been met with immense anticipation, and his presence immediately elevates any championship picture. Omega represents a different kind of challenge for MJF – one rooted in pure athletic ability, innovative offense, and a track record of delivering iconic performances. His history with AEW is deeply intertwined with its championship lineage, and his pursuit of the World Title is always a significant storyline. The prospect of Omega attempting to reclaim his spot at the top, potentially clashing with the current arrogant king, is a dream match scenario that has fans salivating, and his declaration serves as a serious warning shot across MJF’s bow.
Then came "Hangman" Adam Page, another pillar of AEW and a former World Champion whose journey has captivated audiences for years. Page’s story is one of struggle, redemption, and ultimately, triumph, culminating in his emotional championship win against Omega. His connection with the fanbase is unparalleled, a testament to his authentic character development and his relentless fighting spirit. Page has faced down many of AEW’s top stars, proving his mettle time and again. His appearance following Omega’s challenge signaled a clear intent to re-enter the main event scene, and his past history with Omega, both as friends and bitter rivals, adds an intriguing layer to the potential future championship scramble. Should Page and Omega both be in contention, it could rekindle one of AEW’s most emotionally charged rivalries, albeit with a new prize at stake: the opportunity to dethrone MJF. Page’s presence makes the championship picture even more intricate, as his unique blend of power, agility, and crowd support makes him a formidable opponent for any champion.
Adding another layer of complexity and danger to the situation was Swerve Strickland. Swerve’s meteoric rise in AEW has been undeniable, establishing himself as one of the most compelling and ruthless characters on the roster. With his "Mogul Embassy" by his side, Swerve has cultivated an aura of undeniable cool and calculated aggression. His matches are often brutal, hard-hitting affairs, and his promos are laced with a chilling confidence. Swerve’s championship aspirations have been building for months, highlighted by his incredible performances and his consistent ability to garner significant heat from the audience while simultaneously earning their respect for his in-ring prowess. He has demonstrated a willingness to do whatever it takes to win, a trait that aligns surprisingly well with MJF’s own underhanded tactics. A collision between Swerve and MJF would be a clash of two distinct, yet equally effective, villainous personas, each believing they are the true king of AEW. His declaration on Dynamite was not a plea, but a statement of intent from a man who believes his time is now.
And of course, there was the immediate presence of the man MJF had just defeated: Samoa Joe. The submission specialist, despite his loss at Worlds End, made it abundantly clear that his championship aspirations were far from extinguished. Joe’s intensity and sheer physical dominance make him a perennial threat, and his history with MJF—from their reluctant partnership to their violent split—means their feud is far from over. Joe is not one to let a defeat go unaddressed, and his immediate re-insertion into the championship conversation speaks volumes about his determination and the respect he commands within the wrestling world. A former champion, Joe knows what it takes to hold the gold, and his desire for a rematch, to reclaim what he believes is rightfully his, will undoubtedly fuel his pursuit. For MJF, Joe represents a constant, physical reminder of the brutal war he just endured, and the thought of facing him again so soon after Worlds End could play on the champion’s mind, regardless of his outward bravado.
Beyond these four titans who confronted him last week, a new, immediate threat has emerged in the form of Bandido. The masked marvel, known for his breathtaking high-flying acrobatics and incredible strength, is slated to challenge MJF for the AEW World Championship next week, on January 14th. While Bandido was not part of the initial confrontation segment, his upcoming title shot positions him as an extremely dangerous and legitimate challenger. Bandido brings a unique lucha libre style to the table, capable of dazzling audiences with his agility and power. He has earned his reputation through spectacular performances and represents the kind of unpredictable force that can catch even the most seasoned champion off guard. For MJF, who relies heavily on mind games and a methodical pace, Bandido’s fast-paced, high-risk offense presents a different kind of puzzle to solve. This upcoming defense against Bandido is not a mere formality; it is a serious test of MJF’s ability to adapt and overcome a style that is diametrically opposed to his own. The champion will need to be at his absolute best to withstand Bandido’s onslaught, especially with the weight of so many other top contenders breathing down his neck.
The stage is now set for a pivotal moment in MJF’s reign. His appearance in Tulsa this Wednesday on Dynamite is not just another segment; it’s an opportunity for him to reassert his dominance, to verbally dismantle his growing list of rivals, and to perhaps even play them against each other, a tactic he has perfected throughout his career. How will he address the direct challenges from Omega, Page, Swerve, and Joe? Will he dismiss them with his usual arrogance, or will he acknowledge the very real threats they pose? More importantly, how will he mentally prepare for the immediate challenge of Bandido, knowing that a misstep could see his championship reign come to an abrupt end?
The AEW World Championship is arguably the most coveted prize in professional wrestling, and its competitive landscape reflects the diverse and deep talent pool that AEW has cultivated. Each challenger brings a unique set of skills, a compelling backstory, and a passionate fan base to the table. This convergence of talent around the World Championship creates an electrifying atmosphere, promising compelling storylines and unforgettable matches in the weeks and months to come. For MJF, navigating this treacherous terrain will require every ounce of his cunning, his in-ring prowess, and his unparalleled ability to get under the skin of his opponents.
The upcoming Dynamite in Tulsa is therefore much more than just a routine television show; it’s the next critical chapter in the ongoing saga of MJF’s reign. It’s where the champion will articulate his response to the challenges laid before him, where he will attempt to regain control of a narrative that is quickly spiraling into a multi-faceted championship war. His words will be scrutinized, his demeanor analyzed, and his every move watched intently by a ravenous audience and a locker room full of hungry contenders. The pressure on MJF has never been greater, and his ability to thrive under such immense scrutiny is precisely what makes him such a captivating, albeit detestable, champion. The wrestling world awaits with bated breath to see how the "Salt of the Earth" plans to navigate this unprecedented gauntlet, starting with his crucial appearance this Wednesday and the high-stakes encounter with Bandido that immediately follows. The reign of the devil is under siege, and the coming weeks will determine if MJF can truly remain "better than you."
