Social media sensation Big Boom AJ has had a whirlwind year, going from a retired wrestler to a featured act in All Elite Wrestling. In a recent interview with Emily Mae for WrestlingNews.co (scroll down to watch), the powerhouse discussed his unlikely journey back to the ring, his rivalry with QT Marshall, and his mindset heading into this Saturday’s AEW All In: Texas event.
From TikTok to AEW
AJ, who originally retired from wrestling at age 30, explained how his popular TikTok channel led to this unexpected second chapter in his career. “Everything happens with our TikTok channel. And next thing you know, clips are out there, and Big Boom AJ winning, getting it back in the ring,” he said. “And, you know, I was maybe thinking something local, a small venue, and then AEW calls. And here we are. But it’s been great.”
He detailed the gradual process Tony Khan used to bring him into the company. “It was all very gradual, but Tony knew what he was doing,” he explained. “It was… ‘Hey, why don’t you come to All Out in Chicago, do some of your backstage stuff’… And they said, ‘Oh, and by the way, bring your gear’… next thing you know, we do that. It goes over great. And then I get a call like, ‘Hey, we got this idea for Full Gear. What do you think?'”
A Man of the People
AJ also spoke about his rivalry with QT Marshall, which he says is not over. “We’re gonna have to see,” he said when asked if their issue was settled. “You know, it all depends what everyone wants to see… if everyone wants out there wants to see more, Big Boom AJ taking down QT Marshall, then that’s what it is we’re gonna do.”
He explained that his desire to give the fans what they want is a core part of his philosophy. “That’s what it’s all about,” he stated. “Because professional wrestling, to me, is where the audience could really feel like part of the show. I don’t think in any other sport, anywhere else in the world, you could really feel like you’re part of the show, like pro wrestling… That’s why I take so much pride in being a man of the people.”
Big Boom AJ is scheduled to compete on the “Zero Hour” pre-show for AEW All In: Texas this Saturday. AJ and The Conglomeration (Hologram, Kyle O’Reilly, and Tomohiro Ishii) (with Big Justice and The Rizzler) will take on The Don Callis Family (Hechicero, Lance Archer, Rocky Romero, and Trent Beretta).
