The wrestling world witnessed another shocking chapter in the escalating rivalry between MJF and Mistico as the Salt of the Earth made his first MLW appearance in over five years. The former AEW World Champion brought his unfinished business with the CMLL legend to New York City, proving that some feuds know no promotional boundaries.
Mexico City Mayhem Sparks Cross-Promotional Chaos
What began as a dream match at AEW’s Grand Slam Mexico on June 18 quickly devolved into one of the year’s most controversial moments. Maxwell Jacob Friedman found himself outclassed by the legendary Mistico, unable to match the technical prowess of the CMLL icon.
Desperation led to desecration. MJF resorted to a blatant low blow, earning himself a disqualification loss that would pale in comparison to what came next. The unthinkable happened when MJF ripped away Mistico’s sacred mask, committing the ultimate sin in lucha libre culture.
The Mexico City crowd’s reaction was volcanic. For wrestling fans south of the border, unmasking a luchador represents more than just removing fabric – it’s an assault on tradition, heritage, and honor.
Surprise Attack Rocks MLW’s Summer of the Beasts
Eight days later, MJF proved his Mexico City actions weren’t just heat-of-the-moment desperation. At MLW’s “Summer of the Beasts” event in New York City on June 26, the Devil himself made an unexpected appearance that sent shockwaves through the wrestling community.
Still clutching Mistico’s stolen mask like a twisted trophy, MJF launched another cowardly assault. The pattern repeated itself – another low blow, another beatdown, but this time with a menacing promise attached.
He will wrestle MJF again, and when they meet for a second time, the former AEW World Champion is going to beat him within an inch of his life. Before that happens, he is going to make a mockery of CMLL, Mexico as a country, and its people.”
A Homecoming Five Years in the Making
MJF’s MLW invasion carries deeper significance than just continuing his Mistico feud. This marked his first appearance in the promotion since April 2020, when he suffered a “Loser Leaves MLW” defeat to Mance Warner in an Empty Arena match.
The history runs deep between MJF and Major League Wrestling. Before becoming AEW’s golden boy, Friedman carved out his reputation in MLW’s ranks. His five-month reign as MLW World Middleweight Champion established him as a rising star, while his four-month run as one-half of the MLW World Tag Team Champions alongside Richard Holliday in The Dynasty stable showcased his ability to excel in any role.
Ironically, Mistico was the final wrestler to hold that same MLW World Middleweight Championship that once belonged to MJF, adding another layer to their brewing conflict.
Cross-Promotional Warfare Enters New Territory
This storyline represents something special in modern wrestling – genuine cross-promotional storytelling that feels organic rather than forced. MJF’s ability to appear in MLW while maintaining his AEW commitments suggests a level of creative freedom rarely seen in today’s wrestling landscape.
The involvement of CMLL, AEW, and MLW creates a unique three-way narrative that could reshape how wrestling companies collaborate on storylines. Each promotion brings something different to the table, creating a richer tapestry than any single company could achieve alone.
What’s Next for Wrestling’s Most Wanted Man?
MJF’s promises to “make a mockery of CMLL, Mexico as a country, and its people” suggest this feud is far from over. The question now becomes where and when the next chapter unfolds – and whether Mistico will finally get his hands on the man who disrespected everything he represents.
With forbidden doors swinging open across the wrestling world, could we see MJF actually step foot in a CMLL ring to face Mistico on his home turf? Or will the rematch happen back on neutral ground where this all began?
