ROH World Champion Eddie Kingston did not take his move to Ring of Honor from AEW last year as a downgrade in the slightest.
On a recent edition of the “Inside the Ropes” podcast, Kingston recalled arriving in ROH after he ‘quit’ AEW in March of 2023. He said,
“To me, [Ring of Honor] is not a downgrade. I’m still in the ring, I’m still the world champion, and I’m not gonna treat it as a downgrade. If you treat it as a downgrade, then it is. … I look at every show that I’m on as the best show in the world, ’cause I’m on it.
“Once you start labeling things, like shows or promotions, as downgrades or whatever, then you’re shooting yourself in the foot before you even get started. Since I’m the world champion, I want it to be bigger than ‘Dynamite,’ ‘Rampage,’ or ‘Collision.’ But until then I’m gonna keep trying until I lose that championship.”
Kingston was asked about how fans may perceive the move from AEW to ROH as a downgrade but made clear it didn’t bother him as he largely avoids social media.
Eddie Kingston is in his first reign as ROH World Champion. He dethroned Claudio Castagnoli at AEW Grand Slam in September 2023.
Eddie Kingston Embraces His Move to Ring of Honor as a World Champion
When Eddie Kingston made the decision to leave All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and join Ring of Honor (ROH) last year, many fans and critics saw it as a downgrade. However, Kingston himself has a different perspective on the matter. In a recent interview on the “Inside the Ropes” podcast, the ROH World Champion expressed his belief that the move was not a downgrade at all.
“To me, [Ring of Honor] is not a downgrade. I’m still in the ring, I’m still the world champion, and I’m not gonna treat it as a downgrade. If you treat it as a downgrade, then it is,” Kingston confidently stated.
The wrestler’s positive outlook on his transition from AEW to ROH is rooted in his philosophy of always giving his best in every situation. He believes that labeling shows or promotions as downgrades only hinders one’s progress and potential success.
“I look at every show that I’m on as the best show in the world, ’cause I’m on it,” Kingston explained. “Once you start labeling things, like shows or promotions, as downgrades or whatever, then you’re shooting yourself in the foot before you even get started.”
Kingston’s determination to make his reign as ROH World Champion bigger and better than any other wrestling show is evident. He aims to elevate the status of ROH and prove that it can compete with top promotions like AEW.
“Since I’m the world champion, I want it to be bigger than ‘Dynamite,’ ‘Rampage,’ or ‘Collision.’ But until then, I’m gonna keep trying until I lose that championship,” Kingston declared.
The wrestler also addressed the potential perception of his move as a downgrade among fans. However, he revealed that he largely avoids social media and does not let outside opinions affect his mindset.
Kingston’s journey in ROH has been nothing short of impressive. He won the ROH World Championship by dethroning Claudio Castagnoli at AEW Grand Slam in September 2023. This victory marked his first reign as the world champion in ROH.
Despite the initial doubts and criticisms surrounding his move, Kingston’s confidence and determination have proven that he is more than capable of thriving in ROH. His positive attitude and refusal to label his new promotion as a downgrade serve as an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers and a reminder that success is not limited to one particular platform.
As Eddie Kingston continues to defend his ROH World Championship, he is determined to make a lasting impact and solidify ROH’s position in the wrestling industry. With his unwavering belief in his abilities and the potential of ROH, Kingston is proving that sometimes, what may seem like a downgrade can actually be a stepping stone to greater success.