On a recent episode of the “Busted Open After Dark” podcast, veteran wrestling star Tommy Dreamer shared his thoughts on emerging AEW wrestler Kyle Fletcher. Dreamer compared Fletcher’s raw talent and potential to that of a young Randy Orton.
Fletcher is set to go head-to-head with Will Ospreay at the Full Gear 2024 event happening tomorrow night.
Dreamer shared, “One person who has resonated with me is Kyle Fletcher. His talent and charisma remind me of a young Randy Orton when he first came onto the WWE scene. Every week, I see this person growing, and in him, I see the future of AEW. It’s important to remember Randy Orton had his fair share of early career mistakes before he evolved into ‘The Viper’ we know today. Similarly, we are now in the early stages of Kyle Fletcher’s journey. The kid has such potential. I see a shining star in him amidst a sea of talent.”
In a separate interview with “Sports Illustrated,” AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Mone shared her experiences of navigating online backlash from wrestling fans, and her decision to disregard these comments.
Mone, who is the reigning AEW TBS Champion, plans to defend her title against Kris Statlander at Full Gear 2024 tomorrow night.
Here are a few highlights from the podcast:
On launching her own website: “In the past two to three years, it seems like everyone online just wants to create their own narratives. Creating the website was primarily to regain control over my story. It’s tiring to every day see fabricated stories about me on social media. I’ve had enough.”
On overlooking the online backlash: “Honestly, I don’t let things get to me anymore (laughs). I’ve learned a long time ago to not let words affect me, because there were times when the internet would ruin my entire day over the smallest things.”
On keeping perspective: “We never know who’s on the other end of the keyboard. It could be bots, people, witches or rats, but in the end, I don’t pay attention to what others say about me.”