Tonight at Wembley, MJF defended his AEW American Championship title against Will Ospreay in a spectacular event. The game was exhilarating, but it was MJF’s bold outfit that caught everyone’s attention, fascinating both fans and critics. The winner made a daring statement with his outfit, trying to stir up the lively English audience and confirm his American heritage.
An eye-catching style choice
MJF entered the arena wearing an eye-catching outfit that momentarily silenced onlookers. His bold appearance, which was significantly different from the typical wrestling attire, quickly grabbed the spectators’ interest. The ensemble featured an American flag suit paired with an eccentric hat, a tribute to a pop culture icon that resonated deeply with fans of both cinema and wrestling. This was not just a fashion choice; it was a calculated move to stir up conversation and ignite the crowd’s passions.
Influence from a renowned figure in film
Taking cues from the iconic movie “Rocky IV,” MJF’s outfit paid tribute to Apollo Creed, played by the renowned Carl Weathers. The unmistakable connection to this iconic character, famous for his flamboyant style and larger-than-life persona, was evident. By emulating Creed, MJF not only paid tribute to a popular movie character but also established himself as a contemporary warrior in the wrestling arena. The homage to Hollywood’s impact on wrestling culture was evident, reminding fans of the longstanding relationship between these two realms.
The response from the audience
As the match progressed, the audience’s initial shock transformed into a mixture of admiration and criticism. Social media erupted with comments reflecting the diverse opinions about MJF’s bold fashion choice. While some praised the champion’s creativity and flair, others felt the outfit leaned too heavily into political connotations, equating it with MAGA imagery.
“AGAIN!!! @The_MJF is Creed from Rocky, not [expletive] MAGA… Stop it!!” tweeted a fan, encapsulating the divided sentiments among the audience.
AGAIN!!! @The_MJF is Creed from rocky not Fucking MAGA … Stop it!! #AEWAllInLondon pic.twitter.com/PKgjSElzCb
— iamdeejaysdot (@iamdeejaysdot) August 25, 2024
An account of the transformation
MJF’s flair for dramatic attire isn’t a new phenomenon. The Salt of the Earth has consistently displayed a penchant for bold fashion choices that draw from wrestling history and popular culture. He has previously included features inspired by the iconic appearance of Triple H, showing a strong admiration for the history of wrestling.
At Double or Nothing in Las Vegas, MJF made a lasting impression by imitating Triple H’s iconic denim jacket outfit, similar to the one worn when he made a successful comeback from injury in 2002. This tribute was met with different responses, as some fans disapproved of the mimicry while others praised MJF’s acknowledgment of wrestling’s extensive history. The juxtaposition of MJF’s attire with Triple H’s history reflects the ongoing conversation about identity and legacy within the sport.
MJF with the Triple H 2002 return fit#AEWDoN pic.twitter.com/5iwYF5rIYV
— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) May 27, 2024
An unexpected turn of events
Despite MJF’s audacious fashion statement, the match did not unfold in his favor. The atmosphere shifted dramatically when Daniel Garcia’s unexpected intervention led to MJF losing his AEW American Championship to Ospreay. The twist added another layer of intrigue to the evening, leaving fans questioning the implications of the outcome for MJF’s future in AEW. The reaction was palpable, with fans taking to social media to voice their opinions on both the match and the fashion choices that preceded it.
The development of wrestling attire
MJF’s outfit is more than just a costume; it reflects the evolving landscape of wrestling fashion. The blending of cinema, personal identity, and in-ring persona has become a hallmark of modern wrestling, encouraging performers to push the boundaries of their characters. As fans embrace these transformations, the dialogue around fashion and identity within wrestling continues to grow.
What’s next for MJF?
After tonight’s events, fans are curious about MJF’s upcoming actions as things calm down. Will he persist in trying out different styles of clothing, inspired by various sources, to uphold his mysterious image? Or will this loss and the resulting commentary on his fashion choices influence a shift in his approach? Only time will tell.
