AEW star MJF wants to work with WWE Undisputed Champion John Cena — in the wrestling ring or a Hollywood project.
MJF is featured in Netflix’s Happy Gilmore 2 alongside Adam Sandler, who returns to his iconic role from the 1996 sports comedy. Despite being a regular presence in AEW, MJF recently spoke with Scott Fishman for TV Insider about his growing interest in acting.
The former AEW World Champion shared how much he enjoyed working on the film, especially as a longtime fan of Adam Sandler, and appreciated the advice he received during the process.
“I think the best advice came from Adam when I was picking his brain. He just told me to be myself. Whether I’m doing these media rounds or out in public, he told me to be myself. That was lovely to hear because a lot of people don’t really like me very much. I enjoyed that advice.”
MJF also named Cena as someone he hopes to collaborate with one day. “Obviously. I want to work with John Cena at some point in my career. That would mean an awful lot to me. Whether that is inside the wrestling bubble or outside the wrestling bubble. That’s the first name that comes to mind for sure.”
He mentioned wanting to work with other stars like Dave Bautista and Paul Walter Hauser, “I would say I have to throw Dave Bautista on that list too. Also, my good buddy Paul Walter Hauser. I think he is one of the best actors in the world. To be involved in a project with him would be an awful lot.”
MJF credits The Rock, John Cena, and Batista for paving the way in Hollywood
MJF believes that getting into Hollywood is easier today because of the hard work put in by stars like The Rock, John Cena, and Dave Bautista. “It’s easier because of the work that The Rock, Bautista and Cena put in. Also, I feel so stupid now because Dwayne [Johnson] is also on that list I spoke about earlier too. This was a great question. You might be the only interview that gave me a question I liked.”
“Growing up, you’re watching these guys break this mold that unfortunately Terry Bollea [Hulk Hogan] created by being one of the worst actors of all-time with Santa with Muscles, Mr. Nanny, and all that genuine garbage. Here are three men who are just great actors and proving to the world what we do is really difficult. It takes a certain type of star power to make it to the top of the professional wrestling industry. Dare I say it’s just as hard or harder than making it in the acting industry. I think those three guys broke the mold and allowed a guy like me to really get opportunities in the land of Hollywood.”
