AEW Star Almost Quit The Company During Lengthy Absence

AEW

An AEW star has revealed that he nearly quit during his lengthy injury absence, describing himself as a “pain in the f**king ass” for the company.

Currently teaming with HOOK on AEW television, Eddie Kingston spent a protracted amount of time out of action due to an injury that saw him miss 16 months of action before returning at All Out in September 2025.

During a recent appearance on Close Up With Renee Paquette, Kingston responded to the AEW name’s praise of him and his influence on the wrestling world by playing down his reputation.

Calling the praise “bullsh*t”, Kingston would open up about his flaws, revealing that he had almost quit AEW on multiple occasions, saying:

“Adoring what? I am flawed. Why the f**k should I be adored?

“Here’s the thing. I’m not perfect. I’m f**king flawed. I make f**king mistakes every day. Do you understand?

“I must have quit this company eight times when I was out because of my own mental s**t.

“I am not a good employee. I’m not. I’m a pain in the f**king ass because I’m passionate about it.

“But, I don’t want to be hear s**t because, guess what? I can still walk through the airport and catch a domestic flight.

“I’m trying to get this place to a level where we can have private flights. Where we have to fly… whatever… we do have private flights. Whatever. You know what I’m talking about, right?

“That’s when I’ll tell you, and everyone else, yes, I did good and I’m over. Until then, I don’t wanna hear it. I don’t wanna hear s**t because it’s not happening.

“Until that happens, until everyone’s eating like that, then I’ll tell you yes I’m over, yes I’m this, yes I’m that.”

If you use this transcription or any portion of it, please credit WrestleTalk.com and link to this page.

Kingston would also take issue with Paquette calling him a “locker room leader”, recalling a comment about being part of a larger machine and being replaced.

The former AEW Continental Champion has previously commented about contemplating retirement during his absence.

Kingston’s return saw him defeat Big Bill, with his most recent outing being a tag team victory with HOOK over The Frat House (Cole Karter & Griff Garrison) on AEW Collision.

If you use this transcription or any portion of it, please credit WrestleTalk.com and link to this page.

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!

• AEW
• eddie kingston

Share this article with friends