In a social media post highlighting his career achievements, MJF included a calculated insult aimed at Cody Rhodes and Dustin Rhodes ahead of a significant international match. While listing his victories, he deliberately misspelled their surname as ‘Rhoades,’ an apparent reference to an adult industry performer that has been humorously linked to the wrestling family.
This act of antagonism aligns with his behavior on the June 11 episode of AEW’s “Summer Blockbuster,” where a match between MJF and Mistico was made official for the “AEW Grand Slam: Mexico” event on June 18. The challenge was confirmed after Mistico’s victory over Blake Christian, when MJF and his faction, The Hurt Syndicate, confronted the luchador in the ring at Arena Mexico.
During the segment, MJF announced he was reviving his “American Hero” persona for the event in Mexico City, a gimmick he utilized in 2024. The maneuver was designed to incite the local audience, complete with patriotic music and a large American flag descending from the rafters.
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MJF directed deeply personal insults at his opponent, vowing to remove his mask and referencing his troubled history in WWE.
“I grew up watching you on TV. You ain’t Mistico to me. To me, you’re still just sloppy Sin Cara,” MJF stated.
The comment refers to the Sin Cara character, whose WWE tenure was marked by injuries, a wellness policy violation, and a general failure to meet expectations. Following a response in Spanish from Mistico, the confrontation became physical. The Hurt Syndicate initiated an attack, during which MJF attempted to unmask Mistico, an act of significant disrespect in lucha libre. Mascara Dorada, “Speedball” Mike Bailey, and Kevin Knight intervened to halt the assault.
Later in the broadcast, The Hurt Syndicate secured a victory in a trios match against Dorada, Bailey, and Knight. Following the contest, MJF successfully unmasked Mascara Dorada. Mistico then appeared, forcing MJF into his La Mistica submission hold and securing a visual tapout to conclude the segment.
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