At just 29 years old, Maxwell Jacob Friedman is already one of the biggest names in professional wrestling. Known worldwide as MJF, the AEW World Champion believes he is nowhere near the end of his journey. In fact, he says he could wrestle for another 20 to 30 years. Considering his confidence and success so far, it is hard to doubt him.
MJF Still Dominating at 29
MJF recently retained the AEW World Championship against Brody King in the main event of AEW Grand Slam in Australia. The victory once again proved why many consider him one of the best performers of his generation.
At a time when legends like John Cena, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Goldberg, and AJ Styles are slowly transitioning into the final stages of their careers, fans naturally wonder who might be next to step away from the ring.
Names like Brock Lesnar, Rey Mysterio, and Adam Copeland are also closer to the end than the beginning. However, none of them have officially announced retirement. And MJF? He believes he is just getting started.
Two or Three More Decades?
In a recent interview during Super Bowl weekend, MJF confidently said he feels great physically and could easily wrestle for another two or even three decades.
Looking at wrestling history, that idea may not be unrealistic. Ric Flair had his final TNA match at age 62. Sting competed in AEW at 64. Chris Jericho is still active at 55.
In today’s wrestling world, 40 years old is often considered the new 30. With better training, medical care, and recovery methods, careers are lasting longer than ever.
Here is a quick comparison:
| Wrestler | Age During Final/Recent Run |
|---|---|
| Ric Flair | 62 |
| Sting | 64 |
| Chris Jericho | 55 |
| MJF | 29 |
If legends can compete well into their 50s and 60s, MJF’s prediction does not sound impossible.
Early Career Success
MJF made his AEW debut in 2019 at Double or Nothing. At just 23 years old, he was eliminated last by Adam “Hangman” Page in the Casino Battle Royale. Since then, his rise has been rapid.
He has already won the AEW World Championship twice and is currently in his second reign. Few wrestlers achieve that level of success before turning 30.
His sharp mic skills, strong character work, and solid in-ring ability have helped him stand out in a competitive industry.
The Injury That Tested Him Most
Of course, a long career depends heavily on health. Injuries can change everything in wrestling.
MJF revealed that the worst injury he has faced so far was a painful shoulder separation. During a 35-minute main event match with Samoa Joe at AEW Worlds End 2023, his shoulder came completely out of its socket just six minutes into the match.
Despite the intense pain, he continued wrestling because he was defending the world title in front of 18,000 fans. After that match, he had to take five months off to recover. He eventually returned at Double or Nothing 2024.
Here’s a brief look at that situation:
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Injury | Shoulder separation |
| Where | AEW Worlds End 2023 |
| Opponent | Samoa Joe |
| Time Missed | Five months |
| Return | Double or Nothing 2024 |
That moment showed both his toughness and dedication to the business.
Can MJF Really Wrestle for 30 More Years?
While predicting a 40-year career may sound bold, MJF has youth, talent, and confidence on his side. The biggest factors will be staying healthy and maintaining his passion for wrestling.
Right now, he is in the physical prime of his life and holding one of the most important titles in AEW. If he continues performing at this level and avoids serious injuries, there is no reason to think he cannot have a long and successful run.
In professional wrestling, careers can end suddenly — but they can also last much longer than fans expect. If MJF has his way, we may still be hearing him say “I’m better than you” for decades to come.
