Since its inception in 2019, AEW has experienced its fair share of locker room controversies, and now, Britt Baker has shed light on a past dispute involving two of the company’s prominent stars, Cody Rhodes and Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF).
In the early days of AEW, Cody Rhodes took MJF under his wing as a protégé. However, the relationship turned sour, leading to a heated feud. The climax of their rivalry occurred at the 2020 AEW Revolution pay-per-view, where MJF emerged victorious with a Dynamite Diamond Ring shot to Cody’s face.
One of the most talked-about moments of that night was Cody Rhodes revealing a Nightmare Family tattoo on his neck. This move appeared to be Cody’s attempt to outshine MJF, and the neck tattoo became a trending topic on social media for weeks.
Britt Baker talking about MJF's reaction to Cody getting his neck tattoo at Revolution 2020.pic.twitter.com/tPL0PQfrsv
— Drainmaker 🌧️ 💵 (@DrainBamager) February 9, 2024
During an appearance on Barstool Sports’ Mostly Sports 100th Episode Spectacular, Britt Baker discussed the controversy surrounding Cody’s neck tattoo. When asked by Mark Titus about the reason behind the tattoo, Baker revealed the internal tensions at the time.
“So there was a lot of controversy around that, internally, at the time because of MJF at the time… I don’t know if I can say this, but I’m just gonna say it, because f*** MJF… he felt that Cody was trying to steal his thunder at the time. Do you remember this pay-per-view? This was Cody Rhodes vs. MJF, MJF’s big coming out moment, and this was like his hurrah, and Cody shows up, bam, with a neck tattoo, and MJF was like… [stealing the spotlight a little bit?]” Baker revealed.
Britt Baker’s comments have stirred speculation on social media, but it’s essential to note that her husband, Adam Cole, recently concluded a storyline with MJF.
Meanwhile, MJF, who has been absent from AEW TV since the Worlds End pay-per-view in late December, is set to be featured in a special titled “Scarves and Suplexes.” The special, offered by pay-per-view provider Stonecutter Wrestling, will showcase MJF’s early fights and championship bouts before his AEW tenure. While MJF is rumored to be facing free agency, AEW, and WWE are expected to vie for his services.
