MJF vs. Wardlow scheduled to open AEW Double or Nothing

Those wondering about the status of MJF won’t have to wait long to get their answer.

Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated reports that MJF vs. Wardlow is scheduled to open tonight’s Double or Nothing pay-per-view main card, which begins at 8 p.m. Eastern time.

“Per sources close to AEW, the opening match of tonight’s Double or Nothing pay per view is currently scheduled to be MJF vs. Wardlow,” Barrasso wrote. “Young Bucks-Hardys is second, then Jade Cargill-Anna Jay. Anarchy in the Arena is two before the main event, which is Hangman-Punk.”

MJF’s status has been the main point of conversation since he no-showed yesterday’s Double or Nothing Fan Fest meet and greet. AEW has yet to comment publicly on the situation.

Dave Meltzer tweeted at 3:31 p.m. Eastern today: “As of a few minutes ago MJF wasn’t at the building.”

Fightful reported earlier this month that MJF is “leaning towards leaving AEW as of now” when his contract expires in 2024. MJF signed a five-year deal with AEW in 2019.

During a media call ahead of Double or Nothing, Tony Khan spoke about MJF’s contract situation being mentioned on screen: “For MJF, it’s been a great opportunity to not only air some real-life grievances and air his actual status, contractually or otherwise.”

In storyline, MJF vs. Wardlow has a stipulation where — if Wardlow wins — he’ll be free from the contract that he signed with MJF. If MJF wins, Wardlow can never sign with AEW.