Cody Rhodes on MJF potentially joining WWE down the line

The gamble to return to WWE has worked out for Cody Rhodes. “The American Nightmare” became a polarizing character in his final months with All Elite Wrestling, but when he re-debuted with WWE last year, fans treated him like a megastar, and he’s now one win away from becoming the Undisputed Universal Champion.

Rhodes’ success in WWE could lead to others jumping over from AEW in the future (or at least use the potential to join WWE as a bargaining chip). One man who constantly teases that possibility is Rhodes’ old archnemesis, AEW World Champion Maxwell Jacob Friedman.

Cody Rhodes talked about the potential of MJF eventually signing with WWE.

Rhodes spoke with BT Sport’s Ariel Helwani and gave his thoughts on MJF joining WWE (h/t to Fightful’s Jeremy Lambert for the transcription):

"“I think he could be a big star anywhere. He has all the tools because he’s so young. He has all the tools to develop. You’re not seeing his final form yet. His final form is probably ten years from now. That’s who he is. That all depends on if he sticks to the good side of this and he doesn’t lose his head and his ego doesn’t get too big, I’m talking about the man, not the character, and he still has a passion. Sometimes, your passion can wane. He’s one of the most passionate people I’ve ever met. If he keeps the passion, sure.”"

When asked if Rhodes wanted to see Friedman in WWE, he said this:

"“If it makes him happy, I want him to be happy. My career is my thing, I have a nice team of people around me, but it’s mine. One thing I’ve noticed about him, his family is very involved in what he does. I think he’s trying, as a young man, is becoming the patriarch of that. When that’s the case, you have to take care of all your people and do right by them. If it makes him happy to be there, great. If it makes him happy to be here, he just needs to be happy.”"

Friedman most recently defeated Bryan Danielson in a 60-minute Ironman match to retain the AEW World Title at Revolution. He will likely defend his belt next against “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry, Darby Allin, and Sammy Guevara in a match that will pit AEW’s “four pillars” against each other.

Would MJF be a good fit in WWE?

Friedman is one of those rare talents that would find great success in any promotion he chose to work for. His combination of promo ability, charisma, and workrate makes him the sort of wrestler that is difficult to screw up.

Of course, it all depends on what WWE would have planned for him (and that’s far from a sure bet), but MJF could have a nice WWE career if he wanted one, and he should use that interest as a tool to increase his earnings.

Rhodes last quote is the most important; it comes down to what will make the person the happiest and most fulfilled. And in a sport/industry that wields far too much power from its labor force, the fans should feel the same way.