The fallout from AEW Double or Nothing continues as Maxwell Jacob Friedman couldn’t resist taking a shot at the newly crowned Owen Hart Cup winner, “Hangman” Adam Page, following an emotional press conference moment that has the wrestling world talking.
Hangman’s Emotional Victory Leads to Championship Opportunity
Double or Nothing concluded with a spectacular finish as “Hangman” Adam Page defeated Will Ospreay to capture the 2025 Men’s Owen Hart Cup. The victory wasn’t just symbolic – it earned Page a coveted world title opportunity at AEW All In later this year.
During the post-show media scrum, Page displayed a rarely-seen vulnerable side. The normally stoic cowboy openly expressed gratitude toward fans who’ve supported him through what he described as “difficult times” over the past two years.
MJF Strikes on Social Media
Despite weeks of on-screen absence from their storyline, it’s evident Maxwell Jacob Friedman hasn’t moved past his March defeat to Page at AEW Revolution. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) this morning, MJF launched a calculated verbal assault on Page’s heartfelt moment:
“What kind of loser gets emotional at a press conference?!? Your cowboy is a DORK!”
The timing and wording of MJF’s post appears deliberately crafted to serve double duty – mocking Page while simultaneously taking a veiled shot at CM Punk.
The Punk Connection
Wrestling insiders immediately recognized the apparent reference to Punk’s infamous September 2022 media scrum following AEW All Out. During that explosive press conference, Punk unleashed his frustrations regarding backstage issues, creating one of the most controversial moments in AEW history.
The irony in MJF’s attack wasn’t lost on long-time AEW viewers. At the Full Gear 2023 press conference, Friedman himself displayed significant emotion, making his criticism of Page’s vulnerability particularly hypocritical.
Friedman’s Current Trajectory
While absent from the Double or Nothing match card, MJF made his presence felt by assisting his Hurt Syndicate allies in retaining their AEW World Tag Team Championship against the team of Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara.
The former world champion has been conspicuously absent from in-ring competition since his March loss to Page. However, he’s made no secret of his championship aspirations, recently expressing his desire to reclaim the AEW World Championship.
Friedman appears to be strategically positioning the Hurt Syndicate as his vehicle for returning to the world title picture, using their collective strength to rebuild his path to championship glory.
A Tale of Two Trajectories
As Page moves forward with his guaranteed title shot at All In, and MJF continues aligning with the Hurt Syndicate, fans are witnessing two contrasting approaches to championship pursuit. Page earned his opportunity through tournament victory, while MJF seems to be maneuvering through alliance and potential manipulation.
Could we be witnessing the early stages of another collision course between these two rivals? With Page’s championship opportunity secured and MJF’s machinations intensifying, will their paths cross again before All In arrives? The wrestling world will be watching closely as both men’s stories continue to unfold in the coming weeks.
