Wardlow is quickly becoming a star in All Elite Wrestling; “Mr. Mayhem” faced CM Punk this past week and dominated him for the majority of the bout before MJF cost him the victory. He has also clashed with other top names like Chris Jericho and Cody Rhodes throughout his time with the promotion. Coming off an impressive performance against “The Second City Saint,” it seems like the Ohio native’s major breakout moment could happen any day now.
With Wardlow’s future looking brighter than ever, it’s important to look back at his remarkable growth throughout his time with the promotion. While AEW’s star power on the surface is well-documented, the company also has an all-star lineup of coaches and veterans backstage.
In an interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, Wardlow named WWE Hall of Famer Arn Anderson and respected veterans Jerry Lynn and Billy Gunn as some of the most influential people who have helped him along. He pointed out Gunn in particular as someone who has closely worked with him. “Mr. Mayhem” also brought up his stablemates in The Pinnacle, Shawn Spears and FTR, as they have passed on plenty of knowledge to him.
“Arn Anderson has been phenomenal,” said Wardlow. “Jerry Lynn goes out of his way to help me; he’s one of the greatest people on this earth. I get so much knowledge and advice from Shawn, Dax [Harwood] and Cash [Wheeler]. I’m so grateful for them. And Billy Gunn has really taken me under his wing. Every week he gives me a new focus. I look forward every week to nailing whatever it is he wants me to do on-screen or in the ring.”
Despite his loss to Punk, there’s no doubt that Wardlow opened some eyes this past Wednesday, and with such an “elite” group of coaches around him, it’s safe to say that he’s set up for more success moving forward.
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