Thank God Hangman Lost… So, is AEW Going to Drop the Ball With MJF?

Relief, Reaction, and Narrative Tension

In the evolving landscape of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), few moments provoke as much immediate fan reaction as the loss of a central protagonist. When Hangman Adam Page takes a high-profile defeat, the response is often paradoxical: relief rather than outrage. The phrase “Thank God, Hangman Adam Page lost” reflects not a rejection of Page as a performer but a recognition of narrative fatigue, overextension, or misaligned booking priorities. Yet, this relief raises a more pressing question: what does such a moment mean for MJF?

MJF, arguably one of AEW’s most compelling narrative assets, occupies a precarious position. His trajectory oscillates between generational heel, reluctant anti-hero, and meta-commentator on the wrestling industry itself. When Page loses, it should create narrative space. Instead, AEW often leaves that space narratively underdeveloped, particularly regarding MJF. This article argues that Page’s loss exposes a broader structural issue within AEW storytelling: the inability to consistently translate pivotal match outcomes into coherent long-term direction for its top stars, especially MJF.

Hangman Adam Page and the Problem of Prolonged Narrative Arcs

Hangman Adam Page’s character arc has been widely praised as one of AEW’s foundational success stories. His journey from insecure outsider to world champion embodied long-form storytelling rarely seen in modern wrestling. However, the very strength of that arc became a liability when AEW struggled to evolve his character beyond its initial resolution.

Page’s continued positioning as a central figure, even after the culmination of his redemption story, created a narrative redundancy. His losses, therefore, function less as shocking developments and more as necessary recalibrations. Fans’ relief at his defeat signals an implicit understanding: the story must move forward.

For example, Page’s extended feuds, particularly those that revisit themes of self-doubt and redemption, often feel like repetitions rather than evolutions. When he loses, it disrupts this cycle, but only temporarily. Without a clear post-loss direction, Page risks becoming narratively stagnant, oscillating between relevance and redundancy.

MJF as AEW’s Narrative Linchpin and Its Greatest Missed Opportunity

In contrast, MJF represents AEW’s most dynamic storytelling asset. His character thrives on contradiction: he is simultaneously a traditional heel and a modern, self-aware performer who blurs the line between fiction and reality. This duality positions him as a potential narrative anchor for the company.

However, AEW’s booking of MJF often undermines this potential. Following major storyline shifts, such as Page's high-profile loss, MJF is frequently left in narrative limbo. Rather than capitalizing on the vacuum created by such moments, AEW hesitates, delaying or diffusing MJF’s trajectory.

Consider the aftermath of major pay-per-view events where MJF either wins decisively or delivers standout performances. Instead of immediately positioning him within a clear championship or factional narrative, AEW often pivots to secondary feuds or ambiguous character developments. This lack of direction dilutes the impact of both his victories and his losses.

The Disconnect Between Match Outcomes and Narrative Consequences

At the core of this issue lies a fundamental disconnect: AEW’s match outcomes do not consistently generate meaningful narrative consequences. In traditional wrestling storytelling, a significant loss such as Page’s would trigger a cascade of developments. Rivalries would shift, alliances would form or dissolve, and new contenders would emerge.

Yet in AEW, these transitions often feel delayed or underdeveloped. MJF, despite his prominence, is particularly affected by this inconsistency. His character thrives on momentum, on the immediate translation of in-ring events into narrative progression. When that momentum stalls, so too does audience investment.

For instance, imagine a scenario in which Page’s loss directly positions MJF as the next logical challenger for the AEW World Championship. Such a move would not only capitalize on the moment but also reinforce MJF’s status as a top-tier competitor. Instead, AEW frequently opts for slower, less direct storytelling, allowing the energy of the moment to dissipate.

Case Study: Missed Opportunities in Post-Match Booking

To illustrate this dynamic, consider a hypothetical yet representative sequence:

1. Page loses a high-stakes match, signaling the end of a major storyline arc.

2. The audience anticipates a reshuffling of the main event scene.

3. MJF, having recently delivered a major promo or victory, appears poised to step into the spotlight.

4. Instead, AEW introduces a transitional feud or delays MJF’s involvement in the title picture.

   
   

This pattern reflects a broader hesitation within AEW’s creative approach. While long-term storytelling is a hallmark of the promotion, it often comes at the expense of immediate narrative clarity. The result is a tension between anticipation and frustration, a tension that becomes particularly evident in moments like Page’s loss.

Theoretical Framework: Narrative Economy and Wrestling Storytelling

From a cultural-historical perspective, this issue can be understood through the concept of narrative economy. In professional wrestling, narrative economy refers to the efficient use of storytelling elements, such as matches, promos, and character arcs, to maximize audience engagement.

MJF exemplifies high narrative value: his promos generate discourse, his matches deliver spectacle, and his character invites interpretation. However, AEW’s booking frequently fails to leverage this value effectively. By delaying or diffusing his narrative progression, the promotion undermines its own storytelling efficiency.

This problem is not unique to AEW. Historical examples from Stone Cold Steve Austin’s rapid ascent in the late 1990s to The Rock’s transition from heel to megastar demonstrate the importance of capitalizing on momentum. In both cases, WWE aligned match outcomes with immediate narrative consequences, ensuring that key moments translated into sustained audience engagement.

What Is Next for MJF? Paths Forward

To address this issue, AEW must adopt a more decisive approach to MJF’s booking. Several potential directions emerge:

1. Immediate Title Contention: MJF should be positioned as a direct beneficiary of Page’s loss. This could involve an immediate challenge for the AEW World Championship, reinforcing his status as a top-tier competitor.

2. Factional Leadership: Alternatively, MJF could anchor a dominant faction, using Page’s loss as a catalyst for consolidating power. This approach would expand his narrative influence beyond individual feuds.

3. Meta-Narrative Development: Given MJF’s unique ability to blur reality and fiction, AEW could lean into meta-narrative storytelling. For example, MJF could explicitly critique the company’s booking decisions, turning audience frustration into a storyline element.

4. Long-Term Rivalry Reset: Finally, AEW could use Page’s loss to reset a long-term rivalry between Page and MJF, reframing their dynamic in a way that reflects their evolving characters.

Making It Make Sense

The relief expressed in “Thank God, Hangman Adam Page lost” is not a rejection of Page (for me, it is a rejection) but a demand for narrative progression. It reflects an audience attuned to the rhythms of wrestling storytelling, an audience that recognizes when a story has reached its natural endpoint.

For MJF, this moment represents both an opportunity and a risk. Without clear direction, he risks becoming another casualty of AEW’s inconsistent booking. With decisive action, however, he could solidify his position as the promotion’s central narrative figure.

Ultimately, the question is not merely what is next for MJF, but whether AEW can align its storytelling with the expectations it has cultivated. To “make it make sense,” the promotion must bridge the gap between moment and meaning between what happens in the ring and what it signifies for the future.

Only then can AEW fully realize the potential of its most compelling characters and ensure that moments like Page’s loss resonate beyond immediate reactions, shaping the company's trajectory.