Add as a preferred source on Google MJF isn’t expected to be away from AEW for long. The former AEW World Champion hasn’t appeared on AEW programming since July 8, when he was defeated by Kenny Omega in the main event of the “Beach Break” episode of Dynamite and lost the AEW World Championship.
During the media call for AEW Redemption, Tony Khan was asked whether the absence was already part of the promotion’s plans. Khan didn’t confirm that, but he explained that MJF worked through several tough matches in 2026 and continued wrestling despite injuries.
Khan noted that MJF took a different approach than in his previous reigns, defending the AEW World Championship more frequently, and said he’s confident MJF will return “very soon.”
The main known injury occurred during his match against RUSH on June 3. MJF hyperextended his knee and wasn’t cleared to compete two days later at Beyond Wrestling, but he returned to the ring on June 17 and continued working AEW’s schedule.
At the time, MJF said there was no structural damage despite the pain:
“While you’re interviewing me right now, my knee is fucked. It’s swollen to shit, I’m in a shit ton of fucking pain. It’s on me because I’m the fucking top guy and people are leaning on me to make sure that we’re doing well. So, I’ve gotta lace my god damn boots up and get in that damn ring. Obviously, a doctor is never going to let me go in there unless I’m structurally okay, so don’t think I’m burying the AEW medical team. I’m in a lot of pain, the swelling, but structurally, I’m good.”
Before Khan’s comments, Fightful Select had reported that MJF could be off TV for a stretch but would remain part of the plans for All In on August 30 at Wembley Stadium.