MJF on today’s indie wrestlers: Many of them suck and are lazy
AEW World Champion MJF didn’t mince words when he called out many of today’s indie wrestlers, saying that most of them are “lazy” and that they “suck.”
A former indie champion himself, he has appeared more frequently on the since since regaining the World title, saying it’s part of him being a traveling champion. He’s defended the title twice outside AEW and has more appearances planned.
Speaking to SI’s Jon Alba, he described the differences between those he has competed against in Limitless Wrestling (Alec Price) and House of Glory (Zilla Fatu) to everyone else.
“I think a lot of these guys suck. And the guys that I’m wrestling on these independents are the guys that are working hard and making the towns and doing everything that they need to do to become better talents,” he said.
He put over his own travels during his indie days, saying he would drive anywhere in North America, Mexico or Canada for “$20 and a can of Coke and a hot dog and a handshake,” saying he did so because he needs reps and wanted to get better.
“I think a lot of these new guys are lazy, they’re not getting in the car, they’re not traveling to do ring crew,” he said, noting that many feel that because there are options like WWE, TNA, MLW and AEW doesn’t promise anyone anything.
“You’re not signed yet because you f*king suck. Get better. Apply yourself. Go to training three to four times a week. Find a ring. Roll around. Make yourself better. Do tape study. Become a student of the sport,” he said.
Since 2011, Josh has been a contributing editor to Wrestling Observer/F4WOnline.com and also hosts the Punch-Out podcast. He has also written for Fight Magazine, Bloody Elbow, Bleacher Report, and other websites. He's a 2000 graduate of the University of Maine, worked in pro sports, and once was an indie ring announcer.