A major update on MJF’s long-awaited AEW return and a future World title shot has come out. MJF is expected to return to AEW as early as next week’s Dynamite Diamond Battle Royal, with Bryan Alvarez reporting on Thursday’s Wrestling Observer Live that the former World Champion has completed his film commitments and has also been backstage at AEW events.
His return could also position him for a potential World Championship opportunity at Worlds End. Alvarez added that Friedman is strongly expected to appear in the Dynamite Diamond Battle Royal in Manchester during AEW Holiday Bash on December 17th, 2025, where he has historically dominated the competition.
“Now, the Dynamite Diamond Battle Royal has been taking place for what, five years now. And every single year, the winner of that ends up being MJF,” Alvarez stated. “Nobody else has ever won the ring. So, I can’t say 1000% that MJF is going to be in that match, but I mean, MJF’s going to be in that match. He has no film commitments at this moment.”
Backstage Presence and Title Implications
Alvarez also revealed that MJF has quietly been backstage at recent AEW shows. “In fact, he has actually been backstage. I don’t know how many times, but he has been backstage at least once recently. And, they tried to keep it lowkey, but he has been there. So, he’s returning.”
Regarding a possible World Title angle, Alvarez pointed out that MJF still holds the contract guaranteeing him a championship match. “Of course, he has the briefcase(contract) or whatever to get the championship match. So, conceivably, he could also be in that World’s End four-way main event for the title or how many people it is. So I presume he’ll make his return for the Battle Royal, then we’ll see what happens with the Worlds End main event.”
MJF was last seen losing to Mark Briscoe at All Out 2025. AEW Worlds End is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Now Arena in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, where the Dynamite Diamond Ring winner typically cashes in their opportunity or defends the prize.
