MJF and Darby Allin have built one of AEW’s more interesting rivalries, and the AEW World Champion offered a backhanded take on his rival. Speaking with Justin Barrasso, MJF made it clear there is no love lost between the two, even if fans have connected with their chemistry.
“As far as Darby Allin goes, people say we have great chemistry. All I feel toward him is vitriol. I suppose that’s what makes us special,” MJF said.
MJF leaned into the contrast between their personas, painting himself as the polished star against Darby’s rough-around-the-edges act.
“I’m the rich guy that some would call pompous, but I call confident. He’s this grungy little s—-head who likes living in cars and skateboarding and he’s an oddball,” MJF said.
He acknowledged that Darby’s quirks are exactly what draw people to him. “A lot of our fan base are weird people, so they can relate,” MJF said.
Despite his disdain, MJF gave Allin praise for his work as champion, going so far as to call his reign historic.
“As much as it pains me to say it, Darby’s title reign is going down as one of the greatest of all-time. It was so unique,” Friedman said. “People talk about fighting champions. Man, you can’t take that away from him.”
Still, MJF couldn’t help but question the wisdom of Darby’s approach, noting how worn down his rival was by the time they wrestled.
“Now was that stupid? Did he burn the candle at both ends, and by the time he wrestled me, he was half-dead? Yeah, it was dumb as s—-,” Friedman said. “But I’ll give the kid credit. He has no brains, but he has heart.”
