In the intricate tapestry of wrestling careers, the role of friends and family can be a profound influence, often shaping pivotal decisions. For the AEW luminary Roderick Strong, this influence bore unprecedented weight as he embarked on the momentous journey of selecting the wrestling company to represent.
Having been absent from WWE’s televised arena since August 2022, speculation had swirled that Strong might be pivoting toward a backstage role after enduring years of in-ring battles. Contrary to the conjecture, his path led him to a groundbreaking debut in the realm of All Elite Wrestling in April 2023, marking a new chapter intertwined with his old compatriot Adam Cole.
The corridors of “AEW Unrestricted” podcast provided a candid avenue for Roderick Strong to unveil the intricate layers of his departure from WWE. Central to his decision to join AEW was the intrinsic yearning to reunite with his friends from yesteryears and to stand by his life partner, Marina Shafir.
“In August of last year [2022], I got injured and was out for some time. As the year was drawing to a close, my WWE contract had quietly expired. In a state of rehabilitation and uncertain prospects, I had representatives communicating with both companies. It was a surreal juncture, a feeling of inevitability guiding me through the process. Amidst this, there was a profound desire to be amidst my comrades and my wife.”
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Strong continued, painting the canvas with the hues of his wrestling journey. He likened All Elite Wrestling to the embryonic days of Ring of Honor, a canvas onto which every individual painted their aspirations of improvement.
“AEW resonated with the echoes of what initially captivated me in Ring of Honor—collective aspiration to elevate. The relentless pursuit of improvement resonates throughout. A symphony of voices, for the most part, weaves the tapestry of ‘how can we make this better?’ Amid such an environment, driven by my experiences, I thrive. It’s akin to a college atmosphere—less stringent but intrinsically productive. If you invest your efforts where needed, success unfolds, simultaneously nurturing the collective success of the company. After all, isn’t that the essence? Our endeavor is to amplify the company’s essence and fulfill its purpose.”
The tapestry of Strong’s wrestling evolution unveils itself with each stroke of revelation. His decision to transition from the secure cocoon of WWE to the uncharted territory of AEW was bound to be audacious. The emotional tinge was heightened by a special confluence—an announcement made just two days after his son’s birthday that he would be embarking on this remarkable expedition alongside his dear friend Adam Cole.
“As the decision crystallized, the realization of the opportunity was deeply emotional. The prospect of joining forces with Adam thrilled me immensely. Coincidentally, this revelation came just two days after my son’s birthday—a moment of profound personal significance. The synchronicity was stirring. Even days later, the sensation was surreal. The culmination of an enduring journey, a culmination witnessed in that momentous debut alongside Adam—it was the pinnacle.”
I will always love man ur great at what you do don’t that nothing even ur cancer get in ur way lvu ur favorite fam all times jenny