While MJF spent weeks earning his spot in the Hurt Syndicate – he very swiftly found himself voted back out of the AEW group.
Although that doesn’t mean that the Hurt Syndicate faction of MVP, Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin couldn’t look to recruit a new fourth member.
Here are six possible replacements in the Hurt Syndicate for the recently departed MJF.
6. Wardlow
Where in the world is Wardlow? Since last appearing on AEW TV back in March 2024, Wardlow has been missing since.
While he may not be appearing on AEW TV, he is set for a role in the upcoming re-boot of American Gladiators, which has recently wrapped filming.
With reports that he was potentially considered for a return in January but it was decided to delay any return until he was wrapped with Gladiators – now would be a fine time to see him return.
Able to join the group as an additional viable threat to the roster but also to infuriate MJF – Wardlow certainly is capable of hurting people!
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5. Anthony Bowens
Since the break-up of the Acclaimed, Anthony Bowens has re-branded as the 5-tool player.
Being excellent in the ring and on the mic, Bowens also has a compelling personal backstory that would make him seemingly poised for babyface success.
However perhaps still in need of a story of overcoming obstacles on-screen to garner the same sort of fan support afforded to the likes of Hangman Adam Page – Bowens could join the Hurt Syndicate only to eventually find his voice and leave it.
Able to understandably join the group under the premise that it would bolster his career, Bowens has the acting ability to have his character’s realization of being in over his head with the violent Syndicate play out over an extended period of time.
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4. Max Caster
Since turning heel in AEW, Max Caster has continued along with his amusing “Best Wrestler Alive” character.
While he continues to host challenges – most recently being bested by Shibata in under 3 minutes – Caster did technically pick up a time limit draw with RUSH after a brawl erupted at ringside.
However – there could definitely be a pivot in Caster’s character that he could become the newest obnoxious sidekick to the Hurt Syndicate.
Able to be used to do some of the sneakier dirty work that is unbecoming of the likes of Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin – Caster could prove to be an important ally.
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3. Ricochet
While it was teased at the outset of the group, Ricochet ended up declining any potential offer to join the Hurt Syndicate.
However, now that he has continued along to become one of the most entertaining heels in AEW – perhaps this iteration of Ricochet would reconsider.
Able to fill the shoes of the obnoxious bonus member of the group vacated by MJF, Ricochet would certainly put his own spin on things.
While the partnership could be just as short lived as the Syndicate’s alliance with MJF – it would still be very fun.
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2. Cope
After appearing on-screen with the Hurt Syndicate and utilizing them as his hired hands to go after FTR, perhaps the alliance between Cope and the stable isn’t finished yet.
Unlike MJF who was adopted as a member of the group, Cope wouldn’t need to appear with the faction all the time to make their connection clear.
In order to get to the speculated dream match between Cope & Christian Cage and FTR – the latter first has to get through the Hurt Syndicate.
Potentially looking to get first dibs on a title shot if Cope & Cage win, the group actually has a great reason to stay close to Cope.
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1. Mercedes Mone
While she certainly doesn’t need a faction – Mercedes Mone could be an ideal addition to the Hurt Syndicate.
Able to link up for a partnership of convenience, Mone could leverage her association with the Syndicate in continuing her domination of the AEW women’s division.
With AEW accumulating a number of known couples on-screen, it could be a fun detour to see Mercedes paired up with the Syndicate to take on the likes of Will Ospreay and Alex Windsor for one example.
With The CEO being able to be shown on-screen brokering deals beyond that which MVP could even get done – if the Syndicate drop the tag team titles they may need to get in touch with Mone.
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