Action Bronson, the renowned rapper and occasional professional wrestler, recently shared his experience with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), and his account paints a picture far from the electrifying atmosphere often associated with professional wrestling. Despite a memorable debut and positive fan reception, Bronson’s time with AEW appears to have been short-lived and ultimately unsatisfying, marked by a lack of communication, a stalled storyline, and a perceived awkwardness backstage.
Bronson’s foray into AEW began with significant fanfare. His existing connection with rising star Hook, who uses Bronson’s track “The Chairman’s Intent” as his entrance music, provided a natural entry point. Their tag-team match at AEW Rampage: Grand Slam in 2022, where they triumphed over Daddy Magic and Cool Hand in front of a roaring hometown crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, further solidified Bronson’s presence in the AEW universe. The match was a highlight, showcasing Bronson’s athleticism and charisma, and hinting at a promising future within the company. However, this initial success was not followed up by AEW, leaving Bronson feeling overlooked and undervalued.
In a candid interview on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” Bronson revealed the disappointing aftermath of his AEW debut. Despite the positive response to his performance and the potential for future storylines, AEW never contacted him again. This lack of communication effectively stalled any momentum Bronson had gained, leaving him frustrated and questioning the company’s intentions. He expressed his preparedness for a continued involvement, even hinting at a desire to perform more complex wrestling maneuvers like the frog splash. His willingness to contribute further underscores the missed opportunity for both Bronson and AEW. The rapper’s unique persona and dedicated fanbase could have been valuable assets to the company, but the lack of follow-up effectively closed the door on this potential partnership.
Beyond the lack of communication, Bronson also shed light on the backstage atmosphere at AEW, describing it as “weird” and “cliquey.” He clarified that he wasn’t necessarily seeking a warm welcome but rather observed an underlying awkwardness in the dynamics behind the scenes. This perception of a less-than-welcoming environment further compounded Bronson’s negative experience with AEW. While the in-ring action often portrays a sense of camaraderie and excitement, Bronson’s account suggests a disconnect between the on-screen presentation and the reality backstage. This dissonance may not be unique to AEW, but it certainly contributed to Bronson’s disillusionment with the company.
Despite the disappointing turn of events with AEW, Bronson’s passion for professional wrestling remains undimmed. He revealed that he even reached out to WWE, although his efforts did not garner any interest at the time. This proactive approach demonstrates his continued enthusiasm for the sport and his willingness to explore other opportunities within the wrestling world. His statement, “I’m ready right now. I’m ready for whoever,” reinforces his commitment to professional wrestling and suggests that his AEW experience, while negative, hasn’t extinguished his desire to participate in the sport.
In conclusion, Action Bronson’s brief stint with AEW serves as a case study in missed opportunities and mismanaged expectations. While his debut generated excitement and showcased his potential, the lack of communication, the stalled storyline, and the perceived awkwardness backstage ultimately led to a disappointing experience for the rapper. Bronson’s willingness to engage further with the world of professional wrestling, however, suggests that this chapter, while closed, is unlikely to be the final word on his wrestling career. His experience highlights the importance of clear communication and a supportive environment, particularly for newcomers navigating the complex world of professional wrestling. Whether he finds a new home in WWE or another wrestling promotion remains to be seen, but Bronson’s passion for the sport, coupled with his unique persona, suggests that his wrestling journey may still have exciting chapters to unfold.
