Darby Allin addressed the common comparisons between himself and former ECW and WWE star Spike Dudley. While Allin acknowledged that the comparisons likely stem from the “nasty bumps” both performers are known for, he told Chris Van Vliet that he doesn’t personally see the resemblance. Allin argued that he possesses a deep technical wrestling background that is often overlooked because of his high-flying and hardcore style.
“I don’t really see it, to be honest. Because I’m like way more of a wrestler’s wrestler. I don’t feel like Spike was ever a technical wrestler. I definitely feel like I’m way more of a wrestler’s wrestler than that. I shit you not, I feel like I could out wrestle a lot of people from a technical standpoint, but ain’t nobody want to see Darby Allin do a lot of technical wrestling. But when I do it’s like super fun because I feel like people always forget that I know how to do this. I got a ring at my house and I train all the time,” Allin stated.
The former TNT Champion sharedfrustration with what he calls “small-minded” thinking in the wrestling industry. He noted that fans often simplify characters based on aesthetics—such as pairing him with Sting solely because they both wear face paint—rather than understanding the deeper layers of their personalities or skill sets. Allin noted that he is obsessed with technical wrestling styles like World of Sport, but he understands his role in the “big puzzle” of AEW is to go places physically that others are unwilling to go.
“So yeah, I don’t personally see it, but that’s just the nature of the business. I feel like a lot of wrestling stuff is very small-minded. I feel like you think about, oh, he’s with Sting because they have face paint. It’s like, Dude, it goes way beyond that. I feel like, yeah, a lot of people are very small-minded in wrestling.”
Allin also recalled his favorite match from his time on the independent circuit, which was a victory over the current WWE star GUNTHER (then known as WALTER). He described the encounter as feeling like a “real fight” and noted that he almost missed the match due to a brain bleed suffered during a morning show on the same day. Allin used the anecdote to highlight his resilience, noting that he had to be hospitalized and put under medical observation before eventually being cleared to return to the ring for the “incredible” singles match.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Insight with Chris Van Vliet with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. You can listen to the full episode on any major podcast platform or watch it on the Chris Van Vliet YouTube channel.
