MJF worked the AEW Worlds End 2023 pay-per-view event despite being injured as he was dealing with a torn labrum and a hip injury. He is debating whether to do rehab or get shoulder surgery. If MJF undergoes surgery, he would be out of action for close to a year.
Joe’s title win was always part of AEW’s plans and didn’t happen because of MJF’s injuries.
Dave Meltzer reported the following in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, “Regarding MJF, he is out of action as his shoulder injury was significant. Aside from that, he is literally being as secretive as possible about his situation.”