In an interview with Newsday's Alfonso A. Castillo, MJF recalled attending his first wrestling match. It was a long time ago, and the MJF knew even then that 'he could do the same'.
“The first live wrestling show I saw on Long Island was an NYWC show,” MJF recalled. “The first live show I saw in New York was in Madison Square Garden. It was the first-ever Elimination Chamber (WWE Survivor Series 2002). I just remember when Shawn Michaels hit the pose, in his weird little Dutch Boy haircut, crimson mask, dookie brown pants. I just remember looking to my left and my right and going, ‘I could do this.’ And I was right.”- MJF said, as quoted by pwmania.com
The NYWC show had a great viewership, and MJF remembered the names that were part of that show.
“Alex Reynolds, Tony Nese, Mikey Whipwreck, Pat Buck. A lot of those guys ended up having a hand in training me,” he said.
Castillo's offer
Castillo had an interesting question for MJF: Is it strange to him that some of these wrestlers are a level below him right now.
“They all have to bow down to the king,” MJF responded. “That’s how it goes. There’s a hierarchy in the sport, and you’ve got to abide by it, whether you want to or not.”
A few days ago, during a promo, MJF talked about AEW and its influence on WWE.
"Without AEW professional wrestling is a monopoly and do not get me wrong. I love WWE trust me. I love WWE. However, hear me out. Hear me out. Your favorite wrestlers don’t get paid properly and don’t eat properly unless Tony Khan makes that alternative and I’m going to finish it with more honesty. Tony I’m just gonna keep it real with you. I’m carrying this goddamn place in my bag. If I were you, I would pay up in the bidding war of 2024. Connecticut, you crazy motherf**kers better buy this pay-per-view to witness history because MJF is taking home the gold!”