MJF made an unannounced and dramatic return to Major League Wrestling (MLW) at their "Summer of the Beasts" event on Thursday, June 26, 2025. The former AEW World Champion appeared solely to continue his burgeoning rivalry with CMLL sensation Mistico, igniting speculation about cross-promotional implications.
The Melrose Ballroom in New York City was buzzing with anticipation for MLW's flagship show when Mistico, a former MLW Middleweight Champion, stepped into the ring. As the revered luchador began to address the crowd, the lights dimmed, and several masked figures, clad in the familiar black of CONTRA Unit, stormed the ring. Mistico valiantly fought them off, showcasing his agility and fighting spirit, seemingly clearing the ring.
WHY IS @The_MJF HERE IN MLW?!
— MLW (@MLW) June 27, 2025
⁰#MLWBeasts
▶️ https://t.co/pFwLGzXtWb pic.twitter.com/uMFjtZOfLt
However, the true surprise was yet to come. A final, distinct figure emerged from the back, wearing a CONTRA Unit mask. As Mistico briefly turned away, the assailant delivered a brutal low blow, dropping the luchador to the canvas. The masked individual then dramatically removed their CONTRA mask, revealing another mask beneath it – the very Mistico mask MJF had infamously stolen from the luchador at AEW Grand Slam Mexico just weeks prior. With a flourish, that mask too was peeled away, exposing the unmistakable, smug grin of MJF.
The crowd erupted in a mixture of gasps and boos as MJF stood over the fallen Mistico. Grabbing a microphone, MJF wasted no time in delivering a scathing, venomous promo. "I ain't through with you yet, boy, not by a long shot," MJF snarled, his words dripping with contempt. "We're going to wrestle again, and when we do, I'm going to beat you within an inch of your life. And that's after I'm done making a mockery of your country, your countrymen, and your company of CMLL. Listen, because my name is Maxwell Jacob Friedman… I am better than you – AND YOU KNOW IT!"
This unexpected appearance marks MJF's first time in an MLW ring since 2020. During his initial run with the promotion from 2017 to 2020, MJF was a prominent figure, holding the MLW World Middleweight Championship and, as part of "The Dynasty" faction with Richard Holliday and Alex Hammerstone, the MLW World Tag Team Championship. His departure from MLW came after a "Loser Leaves MLW" empty arena match against Mance Warner in April 2020.
The rivalry between MJF and Mistico has been brewing since their first encounter at AEW Grand Slam Mexico, where Mistico defeated MJF by disqualification after a low blow from Friedman, who then proceeded to unmask the luchador in a disrespectful act. MJF's unannounced appearance in MLW now intensifies this personal feud and opens the door for potential cross-promotional exchanges between AEW, CMLL, and MLW, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what MJF's next calculated move will be. The "Salt of the Earth" has once again proven his uncanny ability to generate headlines and controversy, leaving the wrestling world buzzing with questions about the implications of his audacious return.
