Darby Allin is not a fan of the term “Superstar”.
Superstar is one of the few “Vince-isms” that have stuck. Despite struggling to get words like “medical facility” and “what a throw” to become common parlance in the wrestling world, very rarely do fans play along with Vince McMahon’s incessant need to control the language people use.
However, Superstar is one that has caught on. In WWE and across the wider wrestling world, wrestlers often bill themselves as superstars of the ring. The term goes all the way back to Superstar Billy Graham, so it does tip its hat to the legends of the past.
However, Darby Allin thinks it’s stupid. The AEW Superstar spoke with Renee Paquette and RJ City on Match and a Meal, where he revealed his disdain for the term.
Darby Allin thinks the word puts the wrestler above the fan, whereas he sees himself simply as a fan who made it in the business. He wants fans to know they can make it too, so doesn’t like to call himself an AEW superstar.
“I went to an independent wrestling show in Arizona, and I was like, ‘This is the worst stuff I’ve ever seen.’ But it gave me confidence—if they’re doing it, maybe I can actually try this.” Darby Allin told Renee Paquette and RJ City.
That’s why, with wrestling, I want to be a spokesperson for younger kids. I want them to look at me and feel like they can relate. I’m not coming in saying, ‘Everything’s perfect, I’m a superstar.’ The term ‘superstar’ is kind of ridiculous, like it creates this gap between us and the fans, like we’re up here and they’re down there. But I’m just one of you who made it. And you can make it too.” Darby Allin said.
