AEW’s Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF) is no stranger to the spotlight, and now the former AEW World Champion is building serious momentum beyond the squared circle. With a scene-stealing appearance in The Iron Claw and an upcoming role in the highly anticipated Happy Gilmore 2, MJF is the latest wrestling star making waves in Hollywood.
In a recent interview with TV Insider, MJF opened up about wrestlers transitioning into acting — and how the landscape has shifted dramatically in recent years. When asked whether professional wrestlers are taken more seriously in Hollywood today, MJF gave credit where it’s due.
“It’s easier because of the work that The Rock, Batista, and Cena put in,” MJF said. “Also, I feel so stupid now because Dwayne [Johnson] is also on that list I spoke about earlier too.”
While he praised modern wrestling icons for breaking down barriers, MJF didn’t hesitate to call out a different kind of influence — one he believes did more harm than good. The AEW standout took direct aim at WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan (Terry Bollea), criticizing the quality of his 1990s film career.
“Growing up, you’re watching these guys break this mold that unfortunately Terry Bollea created by being one of the worst actors of all time with Santa with Muscles, Mr. Nanny, and all that genuine garbage,” MJF bluntly stated.
Never one to bite his tongue, MJF continues to bring the same brash honesty to interviews that he delivers in the ring.
Currently, MJF is entangled in a major storyline in AEW, having aligned himself with The Hurt Syndicate following the shocking events at Double or Nothing this past May. With both his wrestling career and Hollywood ventures heating up, 2025 is shaping up to be a defining year for the “Salt of the Earth.”
Stay with PWMania.com for all your breaking AEW news, interviews, and the latest on MJF’s rising crossover stardom.
