AJ Francis, previously known as Top Dolla, had a stint as a member of Hit Row until WWE released him in November 2021 with several other stars.
In August 2022, the company brought back Francis, along with B-Fab and Ashante “Thee” Adonis before he was once again released in September 2023.
While speaking with Riju Dasgupta on the “WrestleBinge” podcast, Francis talked about his WWE tenure.
You can check out some highlights from the podcast below:
On his WWE release: “WWE has always been my passion. When I was in the NFL, I wanted to be in WWE. Now, that sounds ridiculous to a lot of people, but it’s the truth. There’s more than interviews. Go look up Omar Kelly’s interview with me when I’m on the Miami Dolphins in 2013 saying the exact same thing. This is seven years before I signed with WWE. Just always been a passion of mine, it’s always something I wanted to do. But it’s one of those things, it’s like, sometimes you fly too close to the sun. Did I enjoy my time in WWE? Yeah. Did I appreciate all the friends and relationships I built while I was there? Yeah. But they didn’t want me. They proved it twice. So it’s like, I’m not the kind of guy who’s gonna keep going back to my ex-girlfriend telling her how I miss her. If you don’t need me, that’s cool, bro. I hope it works for you. Because I’m gonna be alright.”
On whether he would return: “The day that I was released in September, I was furious. I was like, ‘Are you kidding me? After everything that I’ve done, after everything, all the work I’ve put in, all the times I was the only person in the ring before SmackDown doing anything? All the times I was in the [PC]? Me and Tehuti went to the Performance Center one day on a Monday, and it was just me and him doing drills, just us two. All the times that I worked my ass off, that’s how you view it? Cool. 24 hours, I allowed myself to be pissed off. Then after that, it was, ‘Alright, you don’t want me? I’m gonna show you how much you don’t want me.’ Now, I’m at the point where I can do anything that I want, whenever I want, and I’m getting a lot of opportunities. Let’s call a spade a spade, let’s be real. Without the machine behind them, without WWE behind them or AEW behind them, or even TNA or any of the major promotions in this country, without their company going out of their way to set it up for them, how many people could be on The Pat McAfee Show, the Scott Van Pelt Show, could be on Big Noon Kickoff on FOX, could be CBS, NBC, ABC, could be on ABC January 1 for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl as the person giving the MVP Title to the MVP of the game? How many people in wrestling can do that? That’s what I did in the last month. So I’m gonna be alright. But just know that if it ever did come to the fact that WWE wanted me back, I would take the call. I would definitely listen. But I’m not waiting on that call. I don’t know me if it will ever come. To be honest with you, I would love for it to come, but at the end of the day, if it don’t, it ain’t gonna be the end of the world. I’m gonna be alright. If they want to call me, I’m available. But I’m also not waiting around the phone. I got stuff to do.”
You can keep up with all your wrestling news right here on eWrestlingNews.com. Or, you can follow us over on our Twitter and Facebook pages.
AJ Francis, also known as Top Dolla, had a rollercoaster ride during his time in WWE. He was initially a member of the popular faction Hit Row before being released by the company in November 2021. However, WWE brought him back in August 2022 along with B-Fab and Ashante “Thee” Adonis, only to release him again in September 2023.
In a recent interview on the “WrestleBinge” podcast with Riju Dasgupta, Francis opened up about his WWE tenure and shared his thoughts on his release and a potential return to the company.
When asked about his WWE release, Francis expressed his passion for the company. He revealed that even during his NFL career, he always wanted to be a part of WWE. Despite enjoying his time in WWE and appreciating the friendships he built, he acknowledged that the company didn’t want him as they released him twice. However, he maintained a positive outlook and stated that he wouldn’t keep going back to someone who doesn’t want him. He emphasized that he would be alright and focused on the opportunities coming his way.
Francis also discussed whether he would consider returning to WWE if given the chance. Initially furious about his release, he eventually shifted his mindset and decided to show WWE how much they didn’t want him. He highlighted the various opportunities he has been receiving outside of WWE, including appearances on popular shows and events. While he would listen to a call from WWE, he made it clear that he wasn’t waiting around for it and had other things to do.
The interview showcased Francis’s determination and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite his release from WWE, he has been making strides in his career and proving himself outside of the company. He remains open to a potential return but is focused on his own path and success.
AJ Francis’s story serves as a reminder that setbacks can lead to new opportunities and that success can be achieved outside of traditional avenues. His passion for WWE and his ability to adapt and thrive after his release demonstrate his resilience and determination to succeed in the wrestling industry.