MJF’s current run as AEW World Champion continues to turn heads — and this week, he added an unexpected twist to the title picture by challenging a surprising name: Nic Nemeth, formerly known as Dolph Ziggler in WWE.
Since recapturing the AEW World Championship at the tail end of 2025, MJF has been confidently defending his title, brushing off top contenders, and once again reminding the wrestling world that he operates on his own terms.
MJF’s Latest Title Defense: Bandido Falls Short
On last week’s AEW Dynamite: Maximum Carnage, MJF successfully defended the AEW World Championship against Bandido, who earned his shot by winning the prestigious Dynamite Diamond Ring — a prize that’s been synonymous with MJF since AEW introduced it.
Despite a valiant effort from Bandido, MJF retained in convincing fashion, adding another name to his growing list of defeated challengers.
Rising Contenders: Omega, Swerve, and Brody King Step Up
The AEW World Championship scene is heating up fast:
- Kenny Omega and Swerve Strickland both scored major victories this week on Dynamite, keeping their names in the running for future title matches.
- Brody King interrupted MJF during a live promo and demanded a shot at the AEW World Championship.
However, MJF immediately shut Brody King down, saying he hadn’t earned a shot yet and needed to rack up wins before even thinking about a title match.
MJF Surprises Everyone: Challenges Nic Nemeth
Rather than accept Brody’s challenge — or consider top-ranked names like Samoa Joe, Hangman Page, or Swerve Strickland — MJF threw a curveball on Busted Open Radio. He publicly offered a world title opportunity to Nic Nemeth, now making waves in TNA Wrestling.
“Samoa Joe wants it, Hangman wants it, Swerve wants it, Brody King wants it… But Nemeth, whenever you find your balls, let me know. I’d love to wrestle you for the title.”
– MJF on Busted Open Radio
Nemeth — currently involved in TNA’s world title scene — responded quickly:
“I’m focused on the TNA World Title tonight, but wow… AEW Champion? I like that. I always wondered if MJF could hang in the ring. We’ll find out one day, I guess.”
– Nic Nemeth
Why This Match Matters
If MJF vs. Nemeth becomes official, it would be a major cross-promotional moment, showcasing a former WWE and TNA World Champion against AEW’s biggest homegrown star.
Nic Nemeth brings:
- Over a decade of big-match experience in WWE
- Recent momentum from his TNA World Championship run
- A fresh, unpredictable challenger outside AEW’s regular roster
MJF, meanwhile, remains in control of the AEW spotlight. Offering Nemeth a title shot over AEW contenders isn’t just a mind game — it’s MJF doubling down on his belief that he calls the shots, not the rankings or the fans.
What’s Next for MJF?
While a match with Nic Nemeth is still unconfirmed, AEW’s world title picture is packed with potential challengers:
| Potential Opponent | Status |
|---|---|
| Swerve Strickland | Former AEW Champion; recent win on Dynamite |
| Kenny Omega | AEW legend and former World Champion |
| Samoa Joe | In title mix, undefeated streak continues |
| Brody King | Called out MJF but was rejected |
| Nic Nemeth | Invited by MJF; potential cross-brand match |
It remains to be seen whether AEW moves forward with Nemeth vs. MJF, but the story is already generating buzz among fans across multiple promotions.
MJF’s Championship History So Far
- First AEW World Title reign: Headlined All In: Wembley Stadium in 2023
- Lost to Swerve Strickland at AEW Dynasty 2024
- Regained the title at the end of 2025
- Current reign: Second AEW World Championship run with notable defenses against top-tier names
