In a recent interview, Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) offered a surprising perspective on WWE’s strategy of scheduling major events concurrently with All Elite Wrestling programming, characterizing the move as an intelligent business decision. His comments arrive as AEW prepares for its major summer event, All In: Texas, which faces direct counter-programming from WWE.
Speaking with Scott Fishman of TV Insider, MJF praised WWE’s leadership, specifically crediting President Nick Khan and Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque for the competitive tactics.
“You mean shows that are running at the exact same time as us, even though they claim we’re not competition? How do I feel about it? I think it’s a smart business practice. I give jolly old St. Nick and Trips a whole lot of credit,” MJF stated.
He dismissed any criticism of the strategy, framing it as a necessary component of market dominance. This head-to-head scheduling will occur on Saturday, July 12, when AEW runs All In: Texas from Globe Life Field. On the same day, WWE will air the NXT Great American Bash, followed by Saturday Night’s Main Event.
MJF made it clear that he views the scheduling as a calculated and deliberate move, not a coincidence.
“At the end of the day, if you can stomp out your competition, you’re doing what is necessary. Lord knows I would. Everyone is judging them for it. I think that’s silly. Don’t judge them for it, but also, don’t be stupid. They’re not doing this by happenstance. This isn’t circumstantial. None of it is,” he explained. “The difference between me and everyone else is even though I know that, I’m not going to pretend that is not the truth or going to stand here and pretend that’s not an incredibly intelligent thing to do.”
He connected the business philosophy to his own career approach, adding, “I would stomp on anyone’s neck if it meant I would get ahead. I’ve done it a million times in my career. That’s my thoughts on that.”
At All In: Texas, MJF is scheduled to compete in the Casino Gauntlet Match, with the winner earning a future opportunity for the AEW World Championship.