Popular AEW Star Recalls Thinking His Career Was Over

AEW’s Eddie Kingston has opened up about thinking his career was over in a recent interview with New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

Kingston made his AEW in July 2020 following a career that had seen him work around the world.

The current NJPW Strong Openweight Champion recently discussed how things could have been different, however.

Ahead of his match against Shingo Takagi on July 16 in G1 Climax 33, Kingston spoke to NJPW saying:

“I felt like my career was over right before the pandemic. When the pandemic hit, I thought ‘OK, that’s it, my career’s over’. I’m… I’m not supposed to be here (in Japan).”

Kingston would go on to reflect on the journey that had brought him to Japan, adding:

“I’ll get emotional saying this, but I’ve dreamed of this since I was 13 years old. (teary eyed) I’ve made a lot of mistakes. In life, not just in wrestling, and I never thought I’d be here.

“To be here now seems very surreal, so I just want to do good for the Japanese fans, for New Japan, and for the people I looked up to, for Hashimoto, Chono, Muto, Baba, Inoki, the Four Pillars and on and on. Jun Akiyama as well- I’ve been able to wrestle and team with him, and he gave me so much confidence.”

Kingston clearly didn’t give up and it could be said that he embodies the strong style mentality, explaining what it means to him:

“Strong Style to me means never giving in. Moving forward no matter what is going on in your life, professionally or personally. You keep going and do what you believe is right.”

Kingston made his NJPW debut in November 2021 and has had a number of high profile matches, including defeating Jay White in a Loser Leaves NJPW match at Battle in the Valley in February 2023.

He defeated Kenta to become the Strong Openweight Champion on night two of NJPW Independence Day in 2023.

Bullet Club War Dogs leader Dave Finlay recently spoke about Kingston, dismissing the threat he posed at G1 Climax 33.

Transcript from NJPW.

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