At AEW Full Gear, MJF again pulled double duty, successfully defending the ROH tag team titles on Zero Hour and the AEW World title in the main event. Unfortunately, the champion did not walk away unscathed, as he confirmed in a now-deleted social media post that he tore his labrum. This puts Friedman on the injured list alongside his ROH tag team championship partner, Adam Cole. Both men have continued to appear on AEW TV despite their injuries, with Cole walking on crutches and Friedman hobbling on a cane.
Friedman took to social media earlier this morning to update fans on his health and status for tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite.
“I didn’t sleep a wink,” he began. “In a shit ton of pain and can’t get comfortable. But it’s Wednesday. We got a show to put on. I hear it all. I read it all. I see it all. I’m wide awake in more ways than one. Let’s restore the feeling. #AEWDynamite.”
Friedman will next defend his AEW World Championship against Samoa Joe at Worlds End at the end of next month. The two men have faced off only once in an AEW ring, going one-on-one for Friedman’s title on the Grand Slam episode of Dynamite in September. Friedman was able to pick up the victory, but his chances seem much slimmer this time if he cannot compete at 100%.
AEW Worlds End will also feature the company’s first-ever Continental Classic tournament finals. The winner will become an instant triple crown champion as they will capture the ROH World Championship, NJPW Strong Openweight Championship, and inaugural AEW Contential Championship. This will give the wrestler who wins the ability to compete and defend their titles in ROH, NJPW, and AEW.
What do you think of Friedman appearing on tonight’s AEW Dynamite despite his pain? Let us know on X by tagging @WrestlingHaus.
This story and more will be discussed on today’s episode of Rumor & Innuendo, streaming live on HausOfWrestling.com, our X account, and YouTube channel.