MJF Credits Rhodes, Khan, and Sandler for His Rise – What Does This Mean for the Future of Wrestling Crossovers?
Current AEW World Champion MJF has publicly acknowledged the pivotal roles Cody Rhodes, Tony Khan, and even Hollywood star Adam Sandler have played in his career. This isn’t just a display of gratitude; it highlights a growing trend of interconnectedness between professional wrestling and other entertainment industries, and offers clues about where the business might be headed.
Cody Rhodes: The Foundation of MJF’s Opportunity
MJF’s story is a testament to the power of opportunity. As he stated in an interview on Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Rhodes booked him for the All In event in 2018. This single booking proved crucial, as it brought MJF to the attention of Tony Khan and ultimately led to his AEW contract. This demonstrates the lasting impact even after wrestlers move between companies. Rhodes and MJF remain in contact, despite now competing for different promotions.
The Tony Khan Factor: Building a Platform
Although Rhodes opened the door, Tony Khan provided the platform for MJF to flourish. Khan’s willingness to take a chance on emerging talent has been a hallmark of AEW, and MJF’s success is a direct result of that philosophy. This underscores the importance of strong leadership and a commitment to nurturing new stars in the wrestling world.
Hollywood Beckons: Adam Sandler and the Expanding Wrestling Universe
Perhaps the most surprising element of MJF’s gratitude is directed towards Adam Sandler. Having recently worked with Sandler on “Happy Gilmore 2,” MJF credits the actor with opening doors in Hollywood. This signals a potential shift in how wrestlers are perceived and utilized – not just as athletes, but as legitimate actors and entertainers. MJF’s upcoming role in “Violent Night 2” further solidifies this transition.
The Crossover Effect: A New Era for Wrestlers?
MJF’s experience isn’t isolated. Several wrestlers are now actively pursuing opportunities in film and television. This trend is driven by several factors:
- Increased Visibility: Wrestling’s growing mainstream popularity makes its stars more attractive to Hollywood.
- Athletic Skillset: Wrestlers possess a unique combination of physicality, charisma, and performance skills.
- Fanbase Appeal: Wrestlers bring a built-in audience to any project they undertake.
What This Means for AEW and WWE
The success of wrestlers like MJF in other entertainment mediums benefits both AEW and WWE. It elevates the profile of the entire industry and attracts new fans. It as well creates new revenue streams and opportunities for wrestlers to expand their brands. WWE has long encouraged its stars to explore outside opportunities, and AEW appears to be following suit.
Pro Tip:
For wrestlers looking to create the jump to acting, building relationships with industry professionals and honing their acting skills are crucial. Taking acting classes and networking with casting directors can significantly increase their chances of success.
FAQ
Q: Will more wrestlers pursue acting careers?
A: Absolutely. The trend is already underway, and it’s likely to accelerate as wrestling gains more mainstream recognition.
Q: How important are relationships in breaking into Hollywood?
A: Extremely important. As MJF’s experience with Adam Sandler demonstrates, a strong connection can open doors that might otherwise remain closed.
Q: Does this mean wrestling is becoming less important?
A: Not at all. Wrestling remains the foundation for these opportunities. Success in other fields often stems from a wrestler’s established fanbase and persona.
Q: What is MJF’s next wrestling match?
A: MJF has a title defense this weekend against Brody King at Grand Slam Australia.
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