Eddie Kingston, a stalwart in the professional wrestling circuit, recently provided a glimpse into his past WWE tryout experience and subsequent career trajectory. While his journey didn’t culminate in a contract with WWE, Kingston’s candid reflections underscore his resilience and unwavering commitment to his craft, ultimately leading him to success in promotions like All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and beyond.
In a recent interview with Inside the Ropes, Kingston delved into the mindset he carried into his WWE tryout, emphasizing a nonchalant attitude towards the opportunity. Despite the potential significance of the tryout, facilitated through a connection with a friend, Kingston approached it with a sense of detachment, harboring doubts about WWE’s interest in him amidst their focus on recruiting female talent for the Mae Young Classic.
“I went there with this attitude of ‘whatever f**k it, I don’t really care.’ I didn’t really care, I was like ‘they’re not looking at me anyway,'” Kingston revealed, offering insights into his mindset at the time.
While Kingston’s disposition may have appeared dismissive, his honesty provides a candid glimpse into the complexities of pursuing opportunities within the wrestling industry. His transparency highlights the challenges wrestlers face in navigating the landscape of talent recruitment and the inherent uncertainties that accompany such endeavors.
Despite not securing a talent contract with WWE, Kingston’s journey took an unexpected turn when the company approached him with an offer for a coaching role. However, Kingston opted to decline the offer, citing a misalignment with his career aspirations. This decision underscores Kingston’s unwavering commitment to his principles and personal goals, refusing to compromise his values for the allure of a corporate position.
Reflecting on a pivotal moment during the tryout, Kingston recounted an interaction with longtime friend Kevin Owens, which inadvertently shifted perceptions among those present. “As soon as they saw me say hello to Kevin Owens and he gave me a hug, and a couple of other people that were there, next thing you know the next day everybody was my friend,” Kingston recalled, shedding light on the nuanced dynamics at play within wrestling circles.
Despite the outcome of his WWE tryout, Kingston expressed contentment with his career trajectory, noting the numerous independent bookings he had lined up at the time. His subsequent successes in promotions like AEW, where he currently holds the AEW Continental Championship, as well as accolades such as the NJPW Strong Championship and the ROH World Championship, validate his decision to forge his own path.
In essence, Eddie Kingston’s journey serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of wrestlers in navigating the intricacies of the industry. His willingness to share insights into his WWE tryout experience and subsequent career choices offers a valuable perspective on the complexities of pursuing success in professional wrestling, resonating with aspiring wrestlers and fans alike.