MJF is back in a wrestling ring, but his AEW return is still on hold.

The former AEW World Champion surprised fans at Create A Pro Wrestling Academy on October 25, stepping in as special guest referee for a 12-man tag team match.

Greeted by loud cheers, MJF soaked up the reaction and wasted little time stealing the spotlight. Before the action began, he removed his Dynamite Diamond Ring and tucked it down his pants for safekeeping. Even in referee stripes, he was unmistakably MJF.

He has been absent from AEW television since All In on August 30. Speaking to Pro Wrestling Illustrated on September 24, he said his comeback was all about timing.

“I don’t want to give anything away. I don’t want to give anything away, but just know whenever I come back because I’m waiting for the right time, the right moment.”

His target when he returns? The AEW World Championship, whoever holds it.

“What you can expect from me coming back is I’m going to whoever has the fake title, I’m going to beat them and prove that I am the one true champion emphatically. I’m going to become the first ever undisputed world champion in the history of my company. And then I’m going to continue to increase business as that is what I do best. And I’m going to continue to face some of the best names professional wrestling has to offer because the best professional wrestlers professional wrestling has to offer, bell-to-bell, resides in All Elite Wrestling.”

There is still no confirmed date for MJF’s AEW comeback. For now, fans got a surprise appearance with him calling the action instead of competing.

Who should MJF face when he returns to AEW? Share your picks in the comments.