Top AEW Star Almost Retired From Wrestling Before AEW Contract Offer

AEW

Eddie Kingston has become one of the most popular stars in AEW over his three year stint with the company.

Debuting back in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kingston recently defeated Claudio Castagnoli to win the ROH World Championship at AEW Grand Slam.

However, we almost didn’t get that moment with Eddie at Arthur Ashe Stadium, as Kingston has said that he almost retired before his AEW contract offer.

Speaking to Sports Illustrated, he said:

“The pandemic hit when I was doing a three-month tour in the UK. I had to pay like $1,800 to get home before they shut down. There were no indie shows, but I still had to pay my mortgage.

“I started selling my boots, gear, pictures, whatever I could. My career, it was over. I was ready to get a job outside of wrestling. I was at the door of leaving the business, but I did one indie show, then I fought Cody.

“I got the contract in AEW, and look where we are now. I still can’t believe it.”

Kingston will defend both the ROH World Championship and the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship against Katsuyori Shibata at AEW WrestleDream next weekend.

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• retirement
• eddie kingston
• AEW

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