In a recent appearance on the “Inside the Ropes” podcast, AEW Continental Classic Champion Eddie Kingston recalled his 2017 WWE tryout.
Kingston revealed that the opportunity came when WWE prepared for the Mae Young Classic in July 2017.
The Mad King was offered a coaching position at the WWE Performance Center but declined it, as he didn’t want to be a “gatekeeper” to people he didn’t know.
Kingston said, “A friend of mine hooked me up with it because he believed in me. But I went there with this attitude of ‘Whatever, f**k it. I don’t really care.’ I didn’t really care, I was like ‘they’re not looking at me anyway.’”
He continued, “As soon as they saw me say hello to Kevin Owens and he gave me a hug, and a couple of other people that were there, next thing you know the next day everybody was my friend.”
Eddie Kingston Reflects on His 2017 WWE Tryout
Professional wrestler Eddie Kingston, currently the AEW Continental Classic Champion, recently shared his experience of a WWE tryout in 2017 during an appearance on the “Inside the Ropes” podcast. Kingston’s recollection sheds light on the behind-the-scenes process of talent scouting and the impact of personal connections in the wrestling industry.
The opportunity for Kingston’s tryout arose when WWE was preparing for the Mae Young Classic, a tournament showcasing women’s wrestling talent. Kingston revealed that a friend of his had recommended him for the tryout, believing in his potential. However, Kingston admitted that he approached the opportunity with a nonchalant attitude, not expecting much from it.
“I went there with this attitude of ‘Whatever, f**k it. I don’t really care.’ I didn’t really care, I was like ‘they’re not looking at me anyway,'” Kingston said.
Despite his initial lack of enthusiasm, Kingston’s demeanor changed when he encountered fellow wrestler Kevin Owens and exchanged greetings. “As soon as they saw me say hello to Kevin Owens and he gave me a hug, and a couple of other people that were there, next thing you know the next day everybody was my friend,” Kingston recalled.
This anecdote highlights the significance of personal connections in the wrestling industry. A simple interaction with a respected wrestler like Kevin Owens helped change Kingston’s perception and led to a more positive experience during his tryout.
Interestingly, Kingston also mentioned that he was offered a coaching position at the WWE Performance Center but declined it. He explained that he didn’t want to become a “gatekeeper” to aspiring wrestlers whom he didn’t know personally. This decision showcases Kingston’s integrity and desire to maintain genuine relationships within the industry.
Kingston’s story provides valuable insights into the world of professional wrestling tryouts and the role of personal connections. It emphasizes the importance of networking and building relationships, as even a small interaction can have a significant impact on one’s career trajectory.
As for Kingston, his journey led him to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he currently holds the Continental Classic Championship. His experience with WWE may not have resulted in a contract, but it served as a stepping stone in his career and helped shape the wrestler he is today.
Overall, Kingston’s recollection of his 2017 WWE tryout offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes workings of the wrestling industry. It serves as a reminder that success in this field often relies on both talent and personal connections, highlighting the importance of seizing opportunities and building meaningful relationships along the way.