In a recent interview with NJPW1972.com, former FTW Champion Jack Perry weighed in on his suspension from AEW last year and why he believes Tony Khan is afraid to let him return to the company.
Perry was suspended following his backstage altercation with CM Punk at All In 2023.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below:
On why he went to NJPW: “Well Japan for me is an opportunity, not to start over, but start a new chapter without having to apologize or pretend to be sorry for the actions of other people. It’s a way that I can stay true to myself and continue to grow despite everything that’s gone on.”
On his issues with AEW: “Ripping that contract was a declaration ‘I’m not playing by your rules anymore’. If (AEW) are too afraid to have me anymore, if the specter of Jack Perry is too much, they don’t want to deal with the conversations, the ramifications that brings, then that’s fine. I don’t need them. I will go by myself across the world, all by myself, without any of my friends, without any of the things I’m used to, anything that’s been my life for the last five years, and I’ll do it on my own, make my own way.”
On the scapegoat nickname: ”I think it’s ingrained in human nature to be afraid of blame, and the disapproval of others. At the end of the day, that’s weakness. That’s a weak mindset, a weak soul. If you know the truth, what good is the opinion of other people? If you know the truth, you have power. I’m not shying away from the blame. If you need me to be the Scapegoat because you don’t have the bravery to stand up for your own actions, then that’s fine. I’m man enough to take that blame from all of us and I’m not going to shy away from it.”
Former FTW Champion Jack Perry recently opened up about his suspension from All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and his decision to join New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) in a candid interview with NJPW1972.com. Perry, who is also known as Jungle Boy, shed light on his reasons for leaving AEW and his perception of Tony Khan’s reluctance to let him return to the company.
The suspension came about after Perry’s backstage altercation with CM Punk at the All In event in 2023. This incident led to his temporary departure from AEW, prompting him to seek new opportunities in Japan.
When asked about his decision to join NJPW, Perry expressed that it was an opportunity for him to start a new chapter without having to apologize or pretend to be sorry for the actions of others. He saw it as a way to stay true to himself and continue growing despite the challenges he faced.
Perry also discussed his issues with AEW, explaining that ripping up his contract was a declaration that he would no longer play by their rules. He emphasized that if AEW was too afraid to have him back and didn’t want to deal with the conversations and ramifications surrounding his presence, he didn’t need them. Determined to forge his own path, Perry expressed his willingness to venture across the world alone, leaving behind his friends and everything he had known for the past five years.
During the interview, Perry addressed the nickname “scapegoat” that has been associated with him. He believed that fear of blame and disapproval is ingrained in human nature but considered it a sign of weakness. Perry asserted that knowing the truth gives one power and renders the opinions of others irrelevant. He expressed his willingness to take the blame if needed, stating that he is not afraid to stand up for his actions and would not shy away from any responsibility placed upon him.
Perry’s interview sheds light on his perspective and motivations behind his departure from AEW and his decision to join NJPW. It highlights his determination to stay true to himself and continue growing as a wrestler, regardless of the challenges he may face. As fans eagerly await his return to the wrestling scene, it remains to be seen how his journey will unfold and what the future holds for Jack Perry, both in NJPW and potentially in AEW.