MJF sends a message to wrestlers on the independent circuit: "AEW isn't for slackers"

All Elite Wrestling has become a great showcase for talent from the independent scene. When one of them manages to impress the executives or the audience, it is very likely that they will end up receiving offers for new appearances, or even a contract with the company. However, there are other talents who do not really work hard and simply wait to join the company to ascend meteorically in their careers. At least, that is the opinion of MJF, one of the heavyweights of AEW, who criticized a sector of indie talent in a recent interview granted to The Takedown from Sports Illustrated.

"I think many of these guys suck. The wrestlers I'm competing against in these independents are the ones who are working hard, traveling to cities, and doing everything they need to become better talents," said the AEW World Champion.

"I think many of these new guys are lazy, they don't get in the car, they don't travel to set up the ring," he continued. "Brother, when I was in the independents, I got in my car and drove to... I gave a state in North America, I drove there. I gave a place in Canada, I drove there. I gave a place in Mexico, I drove there. And I did it for 20 dollars, a can of Coca-Cola, a hot dog, and a handshake. I did it because I wanted to improve, and I needed experience."

"Many of these guys entering the industry think: 'Oh, it's AEW, it's WWE, it's TNA, it's MLW, why haven't they hired me yet?' They haven't hired you because you suck a lot. Improve. Strive. Train three to four times a week. Find a ring. Roll on it. Improve. Study matches. Become a student of this sport," he said.

"Stop resting on your laurels thinking they're going to give you something just like that. If you want to be part of AEW, you better be prepared. You have to be ready to work, work hard, and want it. We are not a company for lazy people. Now, if you want to waste time and twiddle your thumbs, go somewhere else. That would be my advice for these guys in the independents. No one is going to give you anything. If you want to get to AEW, get ready to work," he concluded.