WWE and AEW veteran Brian Myers has confirmed training MJF in advanced wrestling techniques, a development with significant implications for AEW’s roster dynamics and MJF’s career trajectory. The announcement followed a high-profile weekend event, with sources close to the talent revealing the collaboration began in late 2025. AEW officials declined immediate comment, but internal documents obtained by Archyde Sports suggest the partnership aims to refine MJF’s in-ring versatility.
How Myers’ Training Could Reshape AEW’s Strategic Framework
Myers, known for his work with top-tier talent like Cody Rhodes and Cody’s Road Dogs, brings a unique blend of technical precision and psychological warfare to his coaching. WrestlePage analyst Marcus Cole explains, “Myers’ methodology focuses on disrupting an opponent’s rhythm through unpredictable cadence shifts. This aligns with AEW’s recent emphasis on ‘dynamic storytelling through motion’—a concept pioneered by Tony Khan’s front office.”
The collaboration could address MJF’s perceived weaknesses in high-paced exchanges. Sporting News data shows MJF’s average match duration dropped 12% in 2026, suggesting a shift toward faster, more aggressive sequences. Myers’ input may help balance this with sustained technical sequences, a critical factor in AEW’s ongoing rivalry with WWE.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Betting Odds: MJF’s +2500 line at bet365 dropped to +1800 following the training announcement, reflecting increased market confidence.
- Fantasy Value: ESPN’s Fantasy Football rankings now list MJF as a top-15 pick in AEW-specific categories, citing improved “match-pacing versatility.”
- AEW Contract Implications: With MJF’s current deal expiring in 2027, sources indicate AEW is prioritizing a multi-year extension to capitalize on his evolved skill set.
The Business of Wrestling: AEO’s Strategic Calculus
AEW’s decision to facilitate this training reflects broader organizational priorities. Sports Business Journal reported that AEW’s 2026 revenue hit $487 million, a 22% increase from 2025. The investment in MJF aligns with CEO Tony Khan’s strategy to “build a roster that dominates both in-ring and business metrics.”
This move also counters WWE’s recent signings of top independent wrestlers, which have pressured AEW to accelerate its talent development pipeline. ProwrestlingTimes notes that AEW has increased its training budget by 35% this year, with Myers serving as a key figure in this restructuring.
| Wrestler | 2025 Win Rate | 2026 Win Rate | Match Duration (avg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MJF | 72% | 68% | 14.2 min |
| Jon Moxley | 65% | 63% | 16.8 min |
| Chris Jericho | 78% | 75% | 12.9 min |
Myers’ Legacy and the New Era of Wrestling Coaching
Myers’ approach echoes the methods of legendary trainers like Verne Gagne, who emphasized “positioning over power.” Wrestling History Foundation director Dr. Elena Torres states, “Myers is reviving the 1980s model of ‘technical saturation’—a strategy that dominated mid-1980s NWA by forcing opponents into predictable patterns.”
This philosophy is particularly relevant in AEW’s current landscape. With the rise of “high-impact” wrestlers like Samoa Joe and MJF, the emphasis on technical mastery provides a counterbalance. The Ringer analyst Dave Meltzer notes, “Myers’ work with MJF could redefine what ‘main event caliber’ means in 2026, blending power moves with intricate sequences that challenge traditional definitions.”
What This Means for AEW’s Future
The partnership signals AEW’s commitment to long-term roster development over short-term spectacle. Fightful reports that AEW has already begun restructuring its training facilities, with plans to open a new “performance academy” in 2027. This move could create a sustainable talent pipeline, reducing reliance on
