Eddie Kingston was out of action from May 2024 until September 2025 after suffering a severe leg injury that required surgery. During his extended time away, Kingston was open about the mental health struggles he endured, which were documented on Cezar Bononi’s YouTube channel.
Speaking to Renee Paquette on Close Up, Kingston discussed his mindset during his recovery. When Paquette attempted to praise him and explain how much fans missed him, Kingston quickly dismissed the sentiment, opening up about his internal battles.
“I’m not perfect. I’m flawed. I make mistakes every day,” Kingston stated. “Do you understand, I must have quit this company eight times when I was out because of my own mental shit. I am not a good employee. I’m not. I’m a pain in the fucking ass because I’m passionate about it.”
Kingston continued, explaining why he refuses to accept praise and what his ultimate goal is for AEW. “I don’t want to hear shit 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. That’s when I’ll tell you and everyone else, ‘I did good. I’m over.’ Until then, I don’t want to hear shit because it’s not happening. Until that happens, until everyone is eating like that, then I’ll tell you, ‘I’m over. I’m this. I’m that.’ Until then, no.”
Kingston suffered his injury, which included a fractured tibia, in May 2024 in a match against Gabe Kidd at an NJPW event. He made his return to the ring at the AEW All Out pay-per-view on September 20, 2025, where he defeated Big Bill.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Close Up with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. Fans can watch the full episode of Close Up on the official All Elite Wrestling YouTube channel.
