Maxwell Jacob Friedman, known as MJF, faced intense pressure on Sunday night during the All Elite Wrestling (AEW) main event at Double or Nothing in New York City. Wrestling in front of his home state, he risked his hair for a chance to become a three-time AEW world champion against Darby Allin. Allin had taken the title from him over a month ago.
Mick Foley’s debut with AEW added to the tension. Before the match started, Foley had sharp words for MJF, prompting MJF to retaliate with a low blow, not only directed at Foley but also at the fans rooting for Allin.
Darby Allin brought the fight to MJF. The match, set amid a Pacific Northwest-like weather over the Memorial Day weekend, saw many spectators hoping MJF would end up bald. MJF managed to dodge a risky suicide dive from Allin, causing Allin to collide with the announce table headfirst. He followed up with an apron powerbomb and set up steel steps for a package piledriver. The crowd reacted with gasps as both wrestlers sustained damage. At one point, both men were near exhaustion, hanging onto the ropes and exchanging glances of begrudging respect.
The battle intensified on the ramp. MJF attempted to carry Allin up the ramp, aiming to gain an advantage and shave Allin’s head. Instead, Allin knocked MJF down, set him on a table, and climbed the scaffolding. Allin honored Foley with a “bang, bang” before diving onto MJF and the table, resulting in one of the night’s most memorable moments.
Injured, Allin struggled but persisted. He dragged MJF back into the ring and executed a Coffin Drop, yet MJF kicked out at two. A Scorpion Death Lock attempt from Allin drained his energy further.
MJF capitalized, reversing another Coffin Drop attempt and executing an avalanche Tombstone Piledriver. This secured the victory for MJF, making him a three-time AEW world champion at age 30. He joins an elite group of wrestling icons, including Lou Thesz, The Rock, and John Cena, with this milestone.
Despite losing, Allin faced further injury when Kevin Knight attacked him with a UFO Splash while Allin was on a stretcher. Knight’s decision to turn heel will be addressed on “Dynamite” this Wednesday.