John Cena has extended an invitation to AEW star MJF to consider joining the ranks of WWE. The encounter between the two wrestling stars occurred during the premiere of The Iron Claw film on December 11, 2023, when the worlds of WWE and AEW collided on the red carpet.
Reflecting on their interaction during a recent episode of Insight With Chris Van Vliet, Cena shared his thoughts on the possibility of MJF transitioning to WWE. With candor, Cena revealed that he expressed to MJF the potential to come to WWE.
He said, “And then we got back and I was able to talk to him more. I kind of [said] maybe we can get you to play for the right team one day and all that. There’s no denying the fact that he’s doing good work. And I don’t think that I should ignore that. Honestly, I was floored by his professionalism, where it would have been an easy target at a wrestling movie premiere to have yourself a moment. And we did have a moment.
“And it was one that the internet paid attention to. And it was one where I was hoping that this person that I met, I could once bet on like, ‘Man, I hope we just get you over here. That’d be awesome.’ But it was great. It was great to meet a professional, classy, driven young man.”
Since losing the AEW World Championship to Samoa Joe at Worlds End in December 2023, MJF has been notably absent. Reports suggest that an injury might be sidelining him. On the other hand, Cena has also been absent from WWE since his loss at Crown Jewel in November. However, plans are underway for his appearance at WrestleMania 40.
John Cena expresses concern over meeting MJF in public
John Cena has discussed his publicized encounter with MJF, expressing his apprehension that the AEW star intended to steal a moment.
Speaking in the same interview, Cena recounted the circumstances surrounding his meeting with MJF. He admitted his concerns about the AEW star’s intentions on the red carpet. He stated, “So the whole totality of the thing is I knew he was going to be there. And I don’t think the old me would have associated with him just because of how maybe WWE I was.
“I still am WWE, but there is room for competition and competition is great. And just because you don’t wear the company brand I have doesn’t mean you’re a bad performer. Sports entertainment is a finicky business. And again, there’s a lot of chance to make moments.”
He continued, “So this is one of their top performers for AEW and I don’t know if I’m going to be the target of a moment. I’m just going to support my friend [Zac Efron] in a movie. [MJF] couldn’t have been nicer. He couldn’t have been more cordial. And we meet each other and I got pulled away to take some pictures.
“And then we were about to go do everything else before I even got to you. And I was like, hold on, give me two minutes. I shook his hand. I said, ‘Man, I’m so sorry. Excuse my ignorance, I didn’t know what to expect from you today. You are a class act, I can’t believe you’re as professional as you are. That’s just my ignorance. I’m sorry I had that judgment, I want to thank you for being so special, thanks for making my night.”
At the premiere of The Iron Claw MJF was also spotted with WWE Superstar Liv Morgan.
