While Jim Cornette’s recent review of the All Elite Wrestling roster on his “Drive-Thru” podcast was critical of many, he took time to single out several performers for their in-ring talent and work ethic, identifying a core group of athletic wrestlers he would “keep” and build around. Among those receiving praise were Kyle Fletcher, Kyle O’Reilly, and Roderick Strong.
Cornette was particularly high on the potential of The Don Callis Family’s Kyle Fletcher, despite being critical of his surroundings. “We got to keep Kyle,” Cornette stated. “It’s, again, it’s not his fault. He’s surrounded by a bunch of morons. He’s he’s improved his body. He’s got the size. He’s very athletic. He just needs somebody to teach him why he’s doing all this sh*t.”
Similarly, he endorsed Kyle O’Reilly of Paragon based on his established reputation as a performer, separate from his current booking. “Yeah, we said we weren’t going to hold booking against anybody purely as a performer. Yes,” Cornette affirmed when deciding to “keep” O’Reilly. He added, “You know, there’s hope that people would forget if you kept some of these people hidden long enough forget what they’ve seen before and you can reintroduce them. That was a good, hard working, dedicated young man.”
Veteran Roderick Strong also received Cornette’s approval for his value as a solid in-ring talent who can be relied upon to have quality matches. “You could put Roddy in the ring with anybody and have a good match,” Cornette said. “He was definitely an asset 10, 15 years ago in Ring of Honor. He’s getting older now… but as an actual athletic performer, again, not to be the world champion, but to have good athletic matches with other now, younger guys that you want to push. I would keep Roddy because he doesn’t have to be at angles and cut fucking 15 minute promos.”
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Jim Cornette’s Drive Thru with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
