Tony Khan Reveals Why He Didn't Turn MJF Babyface

MJF has reasserted himself as one of the biggest heels in professional wrestling since capturing the AEW World Championship at November's Full Gear pay-per-view. Not only did Friedman collaborate with William Regal to defeat Jon Moxley for the gold but MJF attacked Regal from behind a couple of weeks later on Dynamite, writing The Gentleman Villain out of All Elite Wrestling in the process.

Before Full Gear, though, MJF received a babyface reaction from fans in attendance at TV tapings and many wondered if AEW CEO Tony Khan would pull the trigger on a full babyface turn for The Salt of the Earth.

Khan addressed the situation with the Los Angeles Times and the AEW President revealed he did consider turning MJF heel, only to determine the promotion is at its strongest when MJF is a villain.

"I listen to the fans. When the reactions were so massive, I had to at least think about [making MJF a good guy], but MJF is the world's best young pro wrestler and one of the best pro wrestling heels of any age I've ever seen and I think his ability to antagonise the other wrestlers and the crowd is unparalleled. AEW is at its strongest when MJF is at his worst as a villain," Khan said.

Since winning the AEW World Title, MJF has successfully defended the gold against Ricky Starks and Bryan Danielson. Friedman looks set to next put the gold on the line in a Four-Way with his fellow AEW Pillars in Jack Perry, Darby Allin, and Sammy Guevara.