Eddie Kingston says the crowd at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam made his win even more special.
Eddie Kingston dethroned ROH World Champion Claudio Castagnoli at the show, and the New York crowd gave him an electric response, both throughout the bout and upon his win.
In an interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Kingston commented on the victory and noted that the match was fine, but the crowd elevated it.
“You know me, I’m always hard on myself,” Eddie Kingston said. “I think I always could have done better. But the crowd was the best part. I’m biased, but New Yorkers, they’re the best. They don’t just cheer for you, they fight for you. I saw it all the time at Yankee Stadium. It’s how we are. The match was fine, but the crowd made it feel bigger. They took it from a four to a ten.”
Eddie Kingston: I’m Not Used To This Kind Of Love
Eddie Kingston then described how the crowd cheering for him makes him nervous, and he even doubts himself. However, he made it clear that he appreciates their support of wrestling, and he’s thankful that he gets to do his dream job.
“It feels great when the crowd cheers, but it makes me nervous,” Eddie Kingston said. “I’m not used to this kind of love. It makes me ask myself, ‘Why do they love me?’ Then I start doubting myself. It’s all part of my curse. But as long as people are fans of pro wrestling, that’s good enough for me.
“Professional wrestling is my mixed martial arts. So thank you very much for supporting pro wrestling. Me, I’m the guy who grew up in Yonkers–I’m still that guy. So when people cheer for me, or want to take a picture with me, I get a little bashful. I don’t see the big deal. I’m just me. But I am blessed and lucky enough to do the dream job I’ve wanted since I was nine. I don’t see myself as a big deal. I’m still the kid from Yonkers.”
WrestleZone will have live coverage of AEW Rampage: Grand Slam as it airs on September 22 .
