AEW’s sixth-annual Double or Nothing pay-per-view was filled with electrifying matches and unforgettable moments, but the highlight of the night was undoubtedly the surprise return of a former World Champion. Fans couldn’t stop buzzing about it, especially since it paid homage to an iconic WWE moment involving Triple H.
On May 26, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, the wrestling world was taken by storm as record-setting former AEW World Champion MJF made his dramatic comeback. The 28-year-old had been sidelined for nearly five months due to a torn labrum, but his return was nothing short of spectacular. Sporting a leather jacket and a denim vest, MJF’s attire was a clear nod to the legendary return of Triple H on the January 7, 2002, episode of WWE RAW.
Triple H, known as “The Game,” had been out for eight months recovering from a torn quad. His comeback, initially as a vicious heel, turned into one of the loudest and most memorable receptions in WWE history. MJF’s choice to emulate this iconic moment was deliberate, as he confirmed in a recent interview with Sports Illustrated:
“The jean jacket was over what I feel is my leather jacket, but that jean jacket was certainly an homage to a return that meant something to me when I was a kid in Madison Square Garden,” said Friedman. “I’m sure people can connect the dots.”
In his interview, MJF also reflected on his career and the significant influences that have shaped his journey. He mentioned former AEW stars CM Punk and Cody Rhodes, reminiscing about some of his most memorable moments in the ring over the past few years.
MJF’s tribute to Triple H was a masterstroke, blending nostalgia with his own dramatic flair. It wasn’t just a comeback; it was a powerful statement that resonated deeply with wrestling fans, further cementing MJF’s status as one of the most compelling figures in AEW today.
