On a recent episode of the “One True Sport” podcast, Lance Archer reflected on the backstage response in AEW to the unexpected release of Bray Wyatt from WWE back in 2021.
Highlights from Archer’s podcast interview are captured below:
Discussing his last interaction with Wyatt before his demise, Archer says, “I had seen him, and I had shared a photo of us together when he passed away, during WrestleCon that took place in Dallas [in 2022] as he wasn’t associated with the company at that time.”
Sharing the general AEW response to Wyatt’s WWE departure, Archer reveals, “When his release news came out, it was a surprise for pretty much everyone. People in every capacity couldn’t grasp why it had happened. You see some releases and you can often see the pattern, other times it’s baffling. But with him, it was outright confounding. It was like, ‘What could they possibly be thinking?’”
Swerve Strickland, AEW World Heavyweight Champion, also shared a recent conversation with Sports Illustrated where he recalled his initial perceptions of MJF when they were both starting out on the independent wrestling scene. MJF was only 18 at the time.
Key points from Strickland’s Sports Illustrated interview are as follows:
Reminiscing on his initial impressions of a young MJF, Strickland comments, “My foremost memory of him was his drive. He was courageous. This was what set him apart — his lack of fear to be wherever he had to be in order to improve. Max was dedicated to being amidst high-level competition. Even at a young age, he always placed himself among the best and was eager to challenge himself under demanding circumstances. That’s why he excelled so quickly.”
Discussing MJF’s ongoing desire to exceed expectations, Strickland adds, “I’m of the opinion that Max has already proven himself. That’s a testament to his skill level. However, he will never acknowledge that or permit himself to think so. He possesses an unrelenting work ethic.”
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