The latest on MJF-Tony Khan - fightful select credit
The latest on MJF-Tony Khan sees them having a meeting, if AEW sources are to be believed.
Last night, we reported on the Fightful post-show that MJF showed up shortly before his match, and left immediately after. That was later confirmed by multiple AEW sources. However, it was never confirmed to us if this was approved or suggested by AEW. During the day Sunday, tweets and Youtube videos promoting the match were removed, before being reposted 90 minutes before the Buy In. The match order was finalized Saturday night with MJF and Wardlow kicking off.
MJF did a stretcher job after a squash match, leading some outlets to report he was taking time off. While that seems to be common sense, we haven't confirmed that with any AEW sources.
AEW sources told Fightful Monday that MJF had not flown home, and that there was a sit down meeting between Tony Khan and MJF planned. We should make this clear, at this point, we've not determined whether this aspect is real or a work, and when we asked, no follow up answer was provided, which was a first throughout this situation. Any time in a scenario like this, we'll make our best efforts for clarity and transparency in that regard.
Things that we can confirm: this story did not start out as a work, regardless. Whether it has turned into one or will likely will become clear. The two had an argument two months ago that largely was about MJF's contract, and since then we've heard Tony Khan had told talent he'd be willing to pay MJF like a top talent. However, MJF's frustration didn't subside. Again, we can also confirm there was a flight booked in MJF's name out of town Saturday that he did not board, but can't verify who booked it. Those that were working the meet & greet Saturday were not informed ahead of time MJF wouldn't be showing up, and there were talent that stayed around to make up the difference that also were not clued in.
Also we can confirm that outside of a work, AEW had made overtures towards MJF about contract talks which were blown off for weeks. However, MJF told numerous people backstage he knew that the situation would likely come to a head and be discussed Double or Nothing week.