AEW’s Locker Room: A Surprising Contrast to WWE, Says Former Star Rico
In a surprising revelation, former WWE star Rico recently shared his insights on the stark differences between the locker rooms of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). Rico’s feedback come after his sudden appearance at AEW’s WrestleDream event, in which he reconnected with wrestling fans and abilties alike.
During the WrestleDream pre-show, Rico joined forces with Mansoor and Mason Madden as they took on the famous tag group, The Acclaimed. The trio had promised a 3rd man to useful resource them of their bout, and Rico’s return to the highlight taken aback enthusiasts, particularly considering his large role in WWE records. Rico is nice remembered for his involvement inside the storyline that nearly brought about the marriage of Billy and Chuck on SmackDown, a moment that become ended by Raw General Manager Eric Bischoff and the chaotic interference of three Minute Warning.
At WrestleDream, the nostalgic connection among Rico and Billy Gunn become palpable while Gunn brought a “Fame Asser” to Rico all through their match. This second changed into a reminder of their shared history within the wrestling business and highlighted the iconic nature of their respective careers. Ultimately, The Acclaimed secured the victory, however the emotional weight of the evening went beyond the healthy itself.
After the event, Rico took to his Stylin’ podcast to explicit his gratitude and replicate at the differences he experienced inside the AEW locker room as compared to his time in WWE in the course of the early 2000s. He stated, “I just went into AEW’s locker room, and it was night and day from WWE back in the 2000s to AEW now. Everyone was friendly; you didn’t feel that heaviness in the air. People were actually talking to each other, getting along. They got a lot of good.”
Rico’s comments illustrate a fresh ecosystem within AEW, a stark evaluation to the competitive and occasionally contentious surroundings he recalled from his WWE days. The former star shared what number of skills approached him, expressing appreciation for his contributions to wrestling, which left him feeling valued after nearly two decades in the industry. “I got to see a lot of guys who were WWE, and everybody in the locker room came up to me at one point and thanked me for my career and what I did as characters. The locker room was fantastic,” he stated.
Moreover, Rico stated an a laugh stumble upon with Tony Khan, AEW’s president, who surprised him by way of recalling Rico’s position on American Gladiators from over 30 years in the past. This personal touch exemplified the welcoming nature of AEW’s environment, where even mounted figures like Khan take the time to connect to their capabilities. Rico reflected on how best it felt to be recognized and liked, saying, “It felt really good to have somebody appreciate your work. It must have made a difference because after 19 years, they’re still remembering me.”
The WrestleDream event also marked a significant moment in wrestling history, because it noticed Bryan Danielson’s full-time wrestling profession come to a near. In a high-stakes fundamental occasion, Danielson faced off against Jon Moxley for the AEW World Championship, culminating in a healthy with a purpose to be remembered for its depth and emotional weight. Interestingly, Rico and Danielson share a completely unique piece of records as well; the 2 wrestled every different on WWE’s Sunday Night Heat in February 2003, wherein Rico emerged triumphant.
Rico’s insights into the AEW locker room offer an interesting attitude on the evolution of professional wrestling way of life, illustrating how the dynamics inside wrestling corporations can appreciably impact the studies of these concerned. The variations he highlighted endorse a growing emphasis on camaraderie and appreciation inside AEW, potentially attracting a brand new era of expertise seeking out a supportive environment.
