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It is difficult to observe Maxwell Jacob Freidman's ongoing ascent on AEW television and not identify several overlapping character traits he shares with The Rock circa 1997.
The distinct commonalities between the pair can be seen and heard, with impressive mic-skills and legitimate superstar magnetism contributing to significant early-stage career growth for both performers.
So far, the handling of MJF’s development has been near perfect. Not over-pushed or over-exposed, Maxwell Jacob Friedman has maximized his air time week-on-week and has been trusted by management to carry important segments and contribute at a main-event level.
While it remains to be seen how high MJF’s stock will rise, his progress to date means he is uniquely poised to assert himself as a long-term force in the world of pro-wrestling.
Much like The Rock’s rise to superstardom in the 90s, MJF’s rapid maturation as a performer is reflective of an innate skill set, as well as a nurturing environment that plays to his unique capabilities and strengths. With that being said, let’s look at five parallels between the rise of MJF and The Rock.
#1 MJF and The Rock: Insubordination
A period of course correction was required for the Rock in 1997, initiated by a much-needed heel turn and subsequent alignment with The Nation of Domination. Joining the Nation expedited Rock’s upward trajectory, giving him a new platform to showcase his natural confidence and range on the microphone.
As part of the dominant group, The Rock was able to lean on industry veteran Farooq as a source of guidance, but it was clear that he was his own man on his own path, and his ambitions went far beyond those of The Nation.
While there were early insubordination and cockiness signals, The Rock made a major statement of intent when he publicly disrespected Farooq on an episode of Monday Night RAW, presenting a large self-portrait as a gift to the leader of The Nation. This bold gesture amplified tensions between the pair and underlined Rock’s credentials as heir-apparent to Farooq’s throne.
After coming up short against AEW World Champion Jon Moxley at All Out 2020, MJF embarked on a similar career pivot, expressing his keen interest in joining The Inner Circle. His prospective involvement with the group had been hinted at periodically over the previous year, but the link always felt tentative.
MJF cemented his place within The Inner Circle by defeating Chris Jericho in a match at AEW Full Gear 2020, earning Le Champion's respect in the process.
While there was some initial discontent among some group members, MJF now enjoys a mostly docile relationship with leader Chris Jericho and has been broadly accepted in the group by Santana and Ortiz, irrespective of his blatant braggadocio.
However, "The Demo God" is under no illusion that Friedman is a renegade. Instead, he appreciates his tenacity and recognizes that MJF can copper-fasten the group’s long-term success.
Clearly paying homage to The Rock’s brazen 1997 move, MJF enjoyed his own moment of public insubordination on the October 7 episode of AEW Dynamite. There, he presented Jericho with a self-portrait, further teasing dissension between the pair.
While MJF’s presence in The Inner Circle will likely continue for the foreseeable future, it’s only a matter of time before the young lion takes out the elder statesman, much like The Rock did to Farooq as he took over as leader of The Nation.
#2 MJF and The Rock: Expressions of wealth
While Ricky Starks' wardrobe is probably more in keeping with The Rock in 1997, MJF’s own dress sense conveys Rock-level confidence. MJF talks the part and looks the part, often dressed in a custom suit and luxury Burberry scarf. This is more than a fashion statement; it is an expression of wealth and perceived superiority.
In 1997 to 1998, The Rock’s lavish fashion sense spoke to an unrivaled egotism that powered his WWE rise. The Rock wanted to demonstrate the financial chasm between himself and the fans, often swaggering to the ring in leopard skin blazers and exotic dress shirts. Expensive jewelry and sports cars only served to reinforce this notion.
Much like "The Great One" before him, MJF makes a concerted effort to promote his clothing's value, whether it’s a $15,000 suit or the $45,000 Dynamite Diamond Ring.
MJF’s financial muscle has also been highlighted previously in his ability to hire The Butcher and The Blade to take out the Young Bucks while routinely acknowledging that Wardlow is "on the books" and treated as an employee.
#3 MJF and The Rock: Promo ability
Unrivaled microphone skills have been a major contributing factor to the early career success of MJF, as was the case for The Rock in the late 90s. Absolute naturals in front of the camera, both personalities displayed an innate poise and charisma, even in the embryonic stages of their respective careers.
Seemingly operating with unshakeable confidence, MJF navigates backstage interviews, pre-records, live records, pre-match promos, and post-match promos with unmatched consistency, as The Rock did during his run on top.
It is important to note that both stars benefited from working within the confines of a system that recognized their natural abilities, giving them creative license to roam during promos.
In addition to natural promo ability, both MJF appreciates the importance of delivering promos with bite, using every opportunity on the mic as a chance to remind fans why he is a detestable character, just like The Rock did during the Attitude Era.
In similar form to The Rock during his heel run, whether it’s unwarranted rudeness towards an interviewer or flagrant arrogance during a promo, MJF leaves no stone unturned in his efforts to generate genuine heel heat.
During the recent Brodie Lee tribute episode of AEW Dynamite, he even stooped as low as targeting Brodie Lee’s young son in the front row.
#4 MJF and The Rock: Muscle support
Trailblazers by nature, both The Rock and MJF have recognized the value of strength in numbers.
While not necessarily natural born "team players", both characters' early success was boosted by the support of heavy-hitting sidekicks. As he climbed the ranks of WWE, The Rock counted on "The World’s Strongest Man" Mark Henry to have his back, along with his fellow Nation brethren.
In present-day AEW, MJF enjoys the support of Wardlow, who has bailed the big-mouth out of a variety of tight situations. In recent weeks MJF has even established a warm rapport with his fellow Inner Circle members Santana and Ortiz, adding to his backup artillery.
#5 MJF and The Rock: Prominent positioning
The Rock’s WWE debut at the 1996 Survivor Series was supposed to propel the "Blue Chipper" forward as the company’s next big star. His portrayal of a squeaky clean babyface generated a surprising amount of fan resentment, but he had been treated very seriously by management from the get-go.
While his initial 12 months on the WWE roster didn’t go as planned, the company would not be deterred in its efforts to make a star out of The Rock and endeavored to facilitate a rapid transition to the top, aided by his alignment with The Nation after returning from injury in 1997.
Even before AEW was formally founded, MJF was already being earmarked for Elite success, appearing in the pre-AEW "All In" PPV against M-Dogg Matt Cross.
Since AEW’s official inception, MJF has never been far from the top of the card, routinely featuring prominently on weekly television and PPVs. While he has yet to hold AEW gold, he has managed to retain his Dynamite Diamond Ring and has already served up his first PPV main event.
Following in the footsteps of The Rock's insubordination, MJF looks set to challenge Chris Jericho’s leadership within The Inner Circle, a move that will add another layer of legitimacy to his self-proclaimed status as the fastest rising star in the game today.
