MJF is not leaving control of his name in anyone else’s hands.
Ahead of AEW Double or Nothing 2026, the former AEW World Champion confirmed that he owns the trademarks to both “Maxwell Jacob Friedman” and “MJF,” giving him control of the identity he has turned into one of wrestling’s most recognizable brands. MJF addressed the subject during an interview with Tony Maglio of The Hollywood Reporter, where he was asked who owns the rights to his character. His answer was direct.
“I have it fully trademarked, both options.”
That detail matters in professional wrestling, where performers can spend years building a name, catchphrase or character only to find out the company controls the rights once the relationship ends. MJF has made sure that no matter where his career takes him, the name attached to his success remains his.
The conversation also gave MJF an opening to talk about AEW’s approach to talent ownership and performer rights. He praised the company for allowing wrestlers to maintain more control over their identities than they may receive elsewhere in the business.
“We are definitely a more workers’-rights-focused professional wrestling company.”
MJF knew exactly how that statement could be received, especially in an industry where every comparison between AEW and WWE immediately becomes part of the larger conversation. He made it clear that he was not trying to fire off a cheap shot at another promotion.
“And that’s not me taking a shot. It’s just a fact.”
For MJF, this is more than a legal detail on a trademark filing. His initials have become the centerpiece of his merchandise, his television persona and his value as a star. Owning those rights means he controls the brand he built, rather than allowing any wrestling company to hold that leverage over him.
MJF has long presented himself as someone who understands his value better than anyone else. Whether he is negotiating a contract, selling a match or positioning himself as one of AEW’s biggest stars, protecting the MJF name fits perfectly with the way he has handled his career.
MJF has spent years telling the wrestling world he is a generational talent. Now he is making it clear that the brand attached to that claim belongs to him, regardless of what the future may hold inside or outside AEW.
What do you think about MJF owning the trademarks to both “Maxwell Jacob Friedman” and “MJF,” and his comments about AEW being more focused on talent rights? Let us know in the comments.