MJF saying younger wrestlers are copying the social media formula he created has now sparked a response from former WWE LFG competitor BJ Ray.
The situation started after MJF told SHAK Wrestling that he believes modern wrestlers have started following the blueprint he built online by staying in character across social media and blurring the lines between reality and storyline.
MJF claimed younger wrestlers now tweet and post videos similarly to the way he originally approached social media years ago, while also saying many people in wrestling disliked him for it at the time.
After Ringside News shared the story online, BJ Ray jumped into the conversation and completely rejected MJF’s claim that he pioneered the approach. Ray responded directly to the Ringside News post on Twitter/X and argued that he was actually one of the first wrestlers to establish that style of online promotion in modern wrestling.
“Bro wasn’t doing anything. I actually layed the ground for social media in pro-wrestling. Matter of fact the head creative writer to his highest tv talent after I was 6 months in and told them to copy the BJ Ray formula AND THATS A FACT”
Ray has built a reputation online for his outspoken personality and heavy use of social media engagement, especially during and after his run connected to WWE LFG. Meanwhile, MJF continues to lean heavily into the idea that authenticity and staying in character online helped separate him from other wrestlers and played a major role in his rise to becoming one of AEW’s biggest stars.
Whether fans side with MJF or BJ Ray, it’s clear social media has become one of the biggest tools wrestlers now use to build their characters and connect with audiences outside the ring.
Do you agree more with MJF or BJ Ray about who influenced wrestling’s social media culture the most? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.