MJF is AEW's heart and soul. He is en route to becoming a wrestling megastar and a future legend. Friedman signed with the Jacksonville-based company in 2019. He is the longest reigning AEW World Champion in history and a former International Champion. The Salt of the Earth's last match took place at All Out 2025, where he was defeated by Mark Briscoe in a Tables N' Tacks match. After this showdown, he announced that he is taking a leave of absence. In addition, he said that he is going to return as a more dangerous and focused version of himself. Thousands of fans are anticipating Friedman's All Elite Wrestling return. The timeline for his comeback is currently unknown. However, Tony Khan certainly has something huge planned. Here 3 stars MJF could target upon his AEW return. #3. "Hangman" Adam Page "Hangman" Adam Page is the reigning AEW World Champion. He won this title by dethroning Jon Moxley at All In: Texas. Interestingly, after becoming champion, he feuded with MJF. Maxwell Jacob Friedman unsuccessfully challenged Hangman for his title at Forbidden Door. Mark Briscoe interfered in this showdown, which resulted in The Anxious Millennial Cowboy retaining. Eventually, The Salt of the Earth began feuding with Briscoe. MJF could target Hangman Page when he returns to All Elite Wrestling. He still owns the Casino Gauntlet championship contract, which he could use to receive a title match. The 29-year-old's dream of becoming world champion again remains unfulfilled. He might very well challenge and end Hangman's reign when he comes back. #2. Mark Briscoe Before going on hiatus, MJF had an extraordinary rivalry with former ROH World Champion Mark Briscoe. Their Tables N' Tacks match at All Out was captivating, and to the shock of many, Briscoe defeated Friedman. The Salt of the Earth's defeat to the Ring of Honor legend made him reflect on his failures. He is frustrated and wants revenge for this humiliation. When he returns, he might target Briscoe and The Conglomeration. The beloved Conglomeration consists of Briscoe, Tomohiro Ishii, Willow Nightingale, Orange Cassidy, Hologram, Kyle Fletcher, and Roderick Strong. This faction is slowly getting over. However, MJF's return could destroy them. The Young Genius could brutally attack Briscoe's friends to mess with him. He could even attack Willow, and this would certainly get him immense heat. A reinvented Maxwell Jacob Friedman will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with. #1. MJF could return with an ally and challenge for the AEW World Tag Team titles MJF might not return to All Elite Wrestling alone, but with an ally. One of his potential partners could be his former henchman, Wardlow. The former TNT Champion is currently a member of The Don Callis family. However, he might jump ship and join forces with the former world champion. Maxwell Jacob Friedman could also return with a massive, unexpected name, such as Keith Lee or former WWE star Braun Strowman. He and his potential tag team partner could then challenge Brodido for the World Tag Team titles. Even though The Salt of the Earth has predominantly been a solo competitor throughout her career, a tag team run would be a welcome change.