Mystery angles in professional wrestling bring plenty of excitement as it gives a weekly hook for fans to keep coming back to try and find out the answer. That is something that is taking place right now in AEW with the mystery Devil character who is causing havoc backstage, particularly for MJF.
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While this mask was previously worn by the current AEW World Champion, there are question marks over who is behind it this time around. MJF claims that it was stolen and someone else is responsible for the attacks on the likes of The Acclaimed and Jay White, and that has led to some interesting theories being created.
8 The Original Devil Continues
A Return To MJF's Heel Tendencies
- Debuted The Devil character at All Out (2022)
- Current AEW World Champion
- Current ROH World Tag Team Champion
One theory going around is the idea that the devil is indeed MJF, despite the claims he's making to the contrary. MJF debuted this character at All Out in 2022 and he has been seen with the mask in his locker room since. It would make sense for it to be him, with the theory being he would revert to his heel tendencies.
MJF is an excellent heel and returning to that would certainly lead to great television. The people the devil has attacked so far are his rivals and then The Acclaimed, who were getting close to him. All of those could easily be linked to him, which is why many fans believe it to be true.
7 Mustafa Ali Seeks Retribution
It Would Be A Memorable Debut
- Released by WWE in 2023
- Former Retribution leader
- Current free agent
Most fans are speculating members of the current AEW roster as to who could be behind the mask, but Tony Khan has proven he has no problem signing fresh talent, which means it could be someone not currently in the company. That has led to theories of Mustafa Ali joining AEW to be the devil.
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He has taken on roles of mystery before with the infamous Retribution faction, and he has personally put on great performances like that. Ali is a great talker and an excellent wrestler, being someone that AEW could inject straight into a top program should he sign for the company.
6 Adam Cole Stabs MJF In The Back
Cole Could Turn On His Partner
- One half of the ROH World Tag Team Champions (w/MJF)
- Joined AEW in 2021
- Could reunite with Roderick Strong
One of the most popular theories about who is behind the mask is Adam Cole. He is seemingly the most obvious candidate as he's the closest to MJF with the two of them being best friends and ROH World Tag Team Champions, and while their friendship has seemed genuine that doesn't mean Cole can't turn on him.
This could simply be done out of jealousy that he couldn't win the AEW World Championship, and also would make sense as to how the devil always has help. It would reunite him with Roderick Strong and The Kingdom, while officially cementing him as a top heel against MJF, which AEW did tease a few times on screen before his injury.
5 Britt Baker Stands Up For Her Man
A New Version Of The Dentist
- Real-life partner of Adam Cole
- Joined AEW in 2019
- Former AEW Women's World Champion
While many people believe it is a man behind the mask, there is no guarantee that is the case. This has led to a lot of speculation that it could be former AEW Women's World Champion Britt Baker in that role. This could still tap into the idea that Adam Cole is involved in the attacks due to the fact they're a real-life couple.
AEW hasn't been shy about discussing their relationship, so Baker having some involvement in Cole turning on MJF wouldn't shock fans. However, her being in this role would completely change her character which could be exactly what Baker needs at this point, while also offering a fun twist.
4 David Finlay Brings Bullet Club In
Taking Out His Frustrations On Jay White
- Current Bullet Club leader
- Has competed on AEW Dynamite in 2022
- Former tag team partner of Juice Robinson
David Finlay has made it clear he doesn't like Jay White using the Bullet Club name, and the fact he was attacked by the devil did lead to some speculation that he could be the mastermind behind all this. Potentially bringing the Bullet Club into AEW officially would be interesting, possibly opening up warfare between factions.
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Finlay is also a former tag team partner of Juice Robinson would also add another wrinkle to this story as far as Bullet Club Gold is concerned. However, having him target MJF would also instantly make him a top name, which wouldn't hurt AEW's roster.
3 Kenny Omega Wants His Title Back
The Elite Compete As Heels
- Former AEW World Champion
- Member of The Elite
- Current tag team partner of Chris Jericho's
Kenny Omega was unable to defeat MJF for the AEW World Championship, but what if he is still causing him problems as the devil? Omega is a popular babyface for the company, but he was also a great heel during his time with the title, and having him be the devil could return Omega to that spot.
The Young Bucks are seemingly just about to turn heel, and them being dressed up to attack people backstage could be an interesting dynamic. Having the EVPs become loose cannons who wreak havoc upon the company would be a great angle if this theory were correct.
2 Jack Perry Returning With A New Edge
People Think They've Heard His Voice
- Joined AEW in 2019
- Former AEW World Tag Team Champion
- Former FTW Champion
Jack Perry has not been seen on AEW television since All In, where he was involved in a backstage altercation with CM Punk. He was already showcasing an arrogant edge to his character before that, and having him be the devil would be a full jump into the dark side which could also be a more convincing gimmick for him.
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The idea that he's acting out due to being suspended would be a good storyline to tell, and some fans think they've heard his voice when the devil has been heard laughing. Considering the fact he isn't the biggest wrestler in terms of size, having others do his bidding for him would also suit him perfectly, with this being a potentially interesting way to bring him back to television.
1 The Return Of CM Punk
Would AEW Bring Punk Back?
- AEW Tenure: 2021 - 2023
- Two-time AEW World Champion
- Never officially defeated for his AEW World Championship
One of the craziest theories that is doing the rounds regarding this character is the idea that CM Punk could be the man behind the mask. This would be an insane twist considering the fact he was fired by Tony Khan not so long ago, which does make it seem very unlikely to be him, but that hasn't stopped the rumor mill swirling.
Punk has a history with MJF and with devil references throughout his career, which is why there have been some discussions about him. This was only enhanced when Punk himself teased being the devil via his Instagram account, and a surprise return to AEW would certainly get people talking.