Ex-WWE Star Criticizes Adam Cole’s AEW Dynamite Comeback Amid MJF Rivalry
Adam Cole’s fantastically expected go back to AEW Dynamite after more than a yr out of movement has sparked controversy, mainly after a nerve-racking trade together with his former ally-became-rival, MJF. The promo, which occurred after AEW’s WrestleDream, left visitors divided and brought on harsh complaint from wrestling veterans, such as a former WWE and ECW star.
After suffering a devastating broken ankle that required surgical procedure and an in depth restoration manner, Adam Cole made his return at AEW WrestleDream. His go back wasn’t underneath everyday circumstances; it got here with heavy implications as he stood face-to-face along with his former friend, MJF (Maxwell Jacob Friedman). Their once-strong bond had soured, and it was clean from the instant Cole stepped into the ring that fireworks have been on the manner.
In his promo, Cole wasted no time lashing out at MJF, accusing him of being a fraud and mocking him for undergoing hair surgeries. The anxiety among the two reached its top while MJF replied with venom, accusing Cole of betrayal—a sentiment that struck a chord with the target audience, lots of whom have been left thinking Cole’s motivations. MJF’s phrases carried weight as he claimed that Cole’s actions had destroyed any danger of consider of their dating, and it became obtrusive that their storyline changed into a long way from over.
The confrontation took a darker flip whilst MJF reminded the arena of Cole’s role as “The Devil,” the same parent who became against MJF in their 2023 storyline, cementing Cole’s function as a heel within the AEW universe. Cole didn’t back off, firing lower back with a promise to give MJF the “ass beating of an entire life.” The fiery alternate captured the eye of lovers, however now not everybody become thrilled with Cole’s go back and the direction of the feud.
Wrestling veteran Tommy Dreamer, a former WWE superstar and ECW legend, didn’t maintain returned while discussing the phase on Busted Open Radio show, a famous wrestling talk display. Dreamer expressed his issues with the way Cole became reintroduced to AEW Dynamite and counseled an alternative storyline that would had been greater effective.
“I understand bringing Cole back as a babyface—I don’t have an issue with that,” Dreamer said. “But having him come back against MJF? That’s where I have a problem. If he had returned to confront someone like Jon Moxley, who’s been causing chaos, or even to assist Bryan Danielson, he could’ve instantly become AEW’s biggest babyface. But against MJF? It’s confusing.”
Dreamer’s comments shed mild on a extensive problem many fans had with the section. MJF, acknowledged for his heel persona, was portrayed as the truth-teller in the course of his promo with Cole, making it difficult for viewers to root in opposition to him. Dreamer pointed out that MJF’s character have been betrayed, making him sympathetic in the eyes of the target audience, which blurred the traces between hero and villain.
“MJF was right in his promo. He said, ‘You were my friend, and you screwed me over,’ and he’s not wrong. How do I not want to cheer for MJF after hearing that?” Dreamer questioned. “The babyfaces are supposed to be the good guys, but when they’re the aggressors, it creates this twisted dynamic where the audience doesn’t know who to side with.”
Adam Cole’s in-ring return has but to be officially announced, and lovers are eager to see how his storyline with MJF will unfold. His remaining in shape become at AEW’s All Out pay-in keeping with-view in September 2023, where he teamed up with MJF to defeat The Dark Order and maintain the ROH Tag Team Titles. But with the animosity between the two now at a boiling factor, it’s only a rely of time before their subsequent clash takes region inside the ring.
For now, Tommy Dreamer’s vital tackle Cole’s go back leaves lovers wondering if AEW ignored an possibility to carry Cole again in a way that would have elevated him to a top babyface reputation, in preference to plunging him into a complicated competition with MJF.
