MJF not returning to face a major AEW star - Reports

MJF has been away from AEW since the end of last year. There have been rumors of potential major return matches for the top star, but new details have just been reported on his status.

Maxwell Jacob Friedman has not wrestled since the Worlds End pay-per-view on December 30, where he dropped the AEW World Championship to now-former champion Samoa Joe.

The 28-year-old took time off to deal with multiple injuries, but there's been no confirmation on when he will be back in action, or whether he will even stay with All Elite Wrestling. However, there has been speculation about a match between MJF and the current World Champion, Swerve Strickland.

The Realest captured the AEW World Championship from The Samoan Submission Machine at Dynasty on April 21, then defeated Kyle Fletcher in a title eliminator match on Dynamite. Strickland's first title defense came on Collision last night as he retained over Claudio Castagnoli. Swerve is set to find out his next challenger on Dynamite this week, but word is that it will not be the five-time Dynamite Diamond Ring winner.

MJF is expected to return to action within a few months, according to the latest reports from Fightful Select Q&A. However, all signs point to Strickland defending against another challenger at Double Or Nothing on Sunday, May 26.

After inquiring about DoN plans for the champion, it was indicated that this could be an item that AEW officials are "keeping close to the vest," but sources said MJF is not the plan. There's also no update on the potential 2024 bidding war.

Wednesday's Dynamite will feature the reveal of Strickland's Double Or Nothing challenger. Fans have speculated on everyone from Orange Cassidy to Swerve's former tag team partner, Keith Lee.

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AEW Dynamite updated line-up for this week

All Elite Wrestling will continue its build to the sixth annual Double Or Nothing pay-per-view as this week's Dynamite airs live from the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Ontario, Canada.

A second title match has been announced for Wednesday's show. Adam Copeland will continue his rivalry with The House of Black as he defends the TNT Championship against one of the members to be revealed before the match.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda Wrestling for full Dynamite coverage and all breaking AEW news. Below is the updated line-up for Wednesday, which is subject to change:

• Serena Deeb vs. Mariah May
• Kenny Omega returns
• Double Or Nothing challenger for World Champion Swerve Strickland will be revealed
• FTW Champion Chris Jericho defends vs. Katsuyori Shibata
• TNT Champion Adam Copeland defends vs. one member of The House of Black to be announced before the match