In his first interview since returning from a serious leg injury, All Elite Wrestling’s Eddie Kingston sat down with Shakiel Mahjouri on the “SHAK Wrestling” YouTube channel for a candid conversation. Kingston detailed the arduous physical and mental journey of his recovery, his thoughts on wrestling fan tribalism, and what kept him from retiring.
The Physical and Mental Toll of Recovery
Kingston began by outlining the difficult road back to the ring, a process that was complicated by real-world issues. He revealed that his physical therapy was delayed for months due to problems with his insurance.
“My leg at one point in time wouldn’t straighten,” Kingston said. “First day, they said, ‘Let’s go,’ and I was like, ‘Oh, this is gonna suck,’ but it was worth it, because I had to do it.” He noted that his doctor told him it could be a year of in-ring activity before he feels the same or better, but added, “I don’t remember a day where I wasn’t a little beat up going into the ring. So, yeah, I’m ready.”
The physical pain, however, was secondary to the mental challenges he faced while sidelined. “The hardest part of anything in life is the mental game,” Kingston stated. “It’s always the mental part that’s a struggle… for two months I was by myself… just sitting there days in the dark.” He continued, “You’re watching, and I’m seeing AEW do great things, good things. You think that didn’t break my heart not being able to be in Texas, not to be at Wembley again? To me, Forbidden Door is my WrestleMania.”
Contemplating Retirement and a Mentor’s Advice
The mental strain led Kingston to consider ending his career. He explained the internal conflict he experienced during his time away from the ring, which he described as his one “peaceful” place.
“It was me beating myself up, not knowing if I’m not going to get back in the ring, and trying to be satisfied,” he recalled. “I was trying to convince myself that it’s okay to call it, to end it.” However, thoughts of unfulfilled goals and advice from his mentor, Homicide, kept him going. “[Homicide] was forced to retire. He goes, ‘You can walk, you can run… Why leave?’ He’s like, ‘Are you really satisfied? Why leave?’… He would tell me, ‘Go out your way. And I know this is not the way you want to go out.’ Very true. I want to go out on my shield. I want to go out swinging to the end.”
A Message to “Tribalistic” Wrestling Fans
Kingston also addressed the current wrestling landscape and delivered a strong message to fans who engage in “tribalism” by exclusively supporting one promotion. He called the “war” between companies “bullshit.”
“You know who wins? Who really wins in all this? The wrestling fans,” Kingston said. “And for the boys too, because we get to get paid. We’re independent contractors. More companies, more money.” He implored fans not to limit their own enjoyment. “The thing I don’t get about the wrestling fan is that I never was that tribalistic, where I cut myself off from enjoying wrestling… Don’t cut yourself off from enjoying wrestling. Now, let’s say you don’t enjoy AEW… okay, don’t watch it then. But I doubt it… Don’t fall into the trap… You’re part of the team that loves pro wrestling, not part of a team that loves just one place.”
On Fan Support and His All Out Match
Kingston acknowledged that he reads fan messages and is touched by those who say he has helped them with their own mental health struggles, but he doesn’t see himself as a role model. “I just want everyone to understand that I’m not perfect,” he said. “I’m not healed or cured. I fight things every day, but if you look at me to be like, ‘Hey, he can do it,’ that helps me, and I’m going to try my best.”
He concluded with a direct message for his opponent at tomorrow’s All Out event, Big Bill. “There’s no real beef with me and Big Bill,” Kingston stated. “The only reason why now we have beef is because he mentioned my name. F— you, Bill. I’ll see you in Toronto. I’m gonna f— you up.” Click here for details on how you can watch AEW All Out on Saturday afternoon.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit SHAK Wrestling (Shakiel Mahjouri) with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
