Former AEW world champion set to return from hiatus: Report

MJF’s time away from AEW isn’t lasting much longer. According to a report from Fightful Select, the former AEW World Champion is expected to return “sooner than later”.

This is because filming for his role in the movie Violent Night 2 is now nearly complete. Sources close to the situation revealed that while a specific date hasn’t been nailed down, MJF is factored into AEW’s creative plans by December.

His specific role and the frequency of his appearances, however, remain unclear for now. MJF has spent the last year deep in Hollywood, taking on acting roles in Violent Night 2, Happy Gilmore 2, and The Iron Claw.

His commitment to film even led him to step away from AEW entirely. This absence began as production for Violent Night 2 picked up in Winnipeg.

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It was reported that filming was set to wrap “soon”. With production nearly finished, MJF’s return to wrestling is within sight.

The report noted that “MJF will be returning from Hollywood (or Winnipeg) sooner than later”. While wrestling fans have missed his presence, MJF has reportedly taken well to the acting life.

“He’s landed roles in Violent Night 2, Happy Gilmore 2 and The Iron Claw,” Fightful added. “He’s expected to continue acting while balancing his wrestling schedule”.

Back in September, MJF dropped the CMLL World Heavyweight Title to Mistico. He also took a hard loss to Mark Briscoe in AEW.

After that match, he admitted he wasn’t ready to return. He said he needed to wait until he could look in the mirror and “no longer see a fraud”.

His time away has been a mix of personal reinvention and professional evolution. MJF is currently scheduled for WrestleCade in just over two weeks, further signaling his return to public appearances.

While MJF’s return to public appearances is set for WrestleCade weekend, which begins on November 28, 2025, an in-ring comeback for AEW’s next pay-per-view, “Full Gear” on November 22, seems unlikely. The report that he is factored into creative plans by December aligns perfectly with AEW’s final pay-per-view of the year, “Worlds End,” which is scheduled for December 27.

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