The amount of support I am receiving during this very difficult time is amazing, and I appreciate all of it.
I don't know what is next for me. I don't know if wrestling is something I still want to pursue. I am devastated.
Regarsless, I am always a
#workhorsemen
What a week! Obviously, I was not happy with what happened earlier in the week. However, I am estatic about being back! I believe in the locker room at AEW and cannot wait to be back in action.
Continued...
@AEW
saved my career in professional wrestling. I went from the highest high of working my dream job for WWE, to the lowest low, 7 months later, when I was released. I had a 2 year lease on a house I had to abandon, and a daughter I had to, yet again, uproot. Continued>>
Ironic that my first show back, as a free agent, was for
@AEW
. Heard so, so many positive things about the company and how it was ran. Everything I heard was confirmed. Thank you!
To those who voiced their support for me this week: thank you from the bottom of my heart. I never knew that what I do impacted so many. I've never had anyone rally behind me like that. It is an unreal feeling. I love you all. See you soon!
#punchinknockout
#workhorsemen
The fact that, in my opinion, the top two wrestlers on the planet (1A & 1B) are getting these types of tweets tells me all I need to know about how knowledgeable some of the IWC warriors are.
I've had time to process what going through my head. These are my thoughts on my time with
@wwe
and subsequent release. Thank you to
@WWENXT
and
@TripleH
for the opportunity, the experience, and for making me stronger person.
#workhorsmen
Maybe I'll start a world tour myself upon returning. However, the number 1 goal is to go to Japan. It alwaus has been. There are numerous promotions doing great stuff, and I want in.
@noahglobal
@alljapan_pw
@LIDET_ENT
@ddtpro
Update: Absolutely gutted. In last night's match against Bryan Keith, I took a knee strike that broke my jaw. The
#workhorsemen
had some exciting things coming up. One of which was the
@AEW
tag team tournament, which we can now not be involved in. I will have surgery soon.
Point is, whether you like WWE or AEW, understand that it is okay to simply support the industry as a whole, & those in it. Maybe do not attack people because they are happy in a promotion that you feel a certain way about. I promise no promotion is without flaws. Just be kind.
To me, AJ Styles is similar to Shawn Michaels in that he really has had two separate careers. The question is:
A) TNA/indie run AJ
B) NJPW/WWE AJ
I think he will go down as one of the G.O.A.T. of this generation.
NJPW is a dream. Always has been. I haven't listed it b/c I felt it was not achievable, but screw it. Myself vs.
@ElDesperado5
or
@TIMEBOMB1105
would be 🔥!
I honestly don't know how I will take this. I've never had an injury like this. I don't know what to do without wrestling, and my biggest fear is that it derails any upcoming plans for Drake and I. I may be absent from here for a while. I appreciate all the fans who support us!
Update: Absolutely gutted. In last night's match against Bryan Keith, I took a knee strike that broke my jaw. The
#workhorsemen
had some exciting things coming up. One of which was the
@AEW
tag team tournament, which we can now not be involved in. I will have surgery soon.
They say to never meet your heros. Well, after tonight, I disagree. It was an absolute honor to meet this man, and a privilege to share a ring with him. Thank you for exceeding all of my expectations!
Funny how quickly things change. Don't know how much I can say, but I can say that all "retirement" plans are now off the table.
Wrestling, you are stuck with me for a while. Also, thanks!
🗣 NEW DPW SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT
ℹ️ DPW Limit Break
📆 May 19, 2024 | Durham, NC
🎟 TIX ON SALE 04/15/24
RODERICK STRONG makes his DPW debut as DEADLOCK returns to Durham in May at the DCC! National Championship eliminator qualifiers also scheduled for this event.
Is it fair to say that a wrestling promoter should be prepared to pay talent/staff in advance, regardless of money coming in from the gate/sponsors? If you don't have the money, don't freaking run, fam.
Gonna post this graphic every single day until Saturday...ya know, to piss off half the fans on the internet and to delight the other half.
#FTRVSWORKHORSEMEN
#AEWCollision
She clearly doesn't know any male professional wrestlers, because we are constantly scrutinized over our bodies by fans. My tag partner is body shamed on a weekly basis.
“Nobody ever says a thing about men’s bodies,” says Billie Eilish. “If you’re muscular, cool. If you’re not, cool. If you’re rail thin, cool. If you have a dad bod, cool. If you’re pudgy, love it! Everybody’s happy with it. You know why? Because girls are nice. They don’t give a…
The fact that I share a locker room with the greatest wrestler to ever grace a professional wrestling ring is wild. Even more wild: he respects me and my work. My biggest goal/dream in wrestling is to stand across the ring from him, one on one.
#americandragon
#workhorsemen
Look, all I have ever wanted was a chance to prove that
@RealJDDrake
and I are a top 5 tag team in the world. I feel like that opportunity is within our grasp, and when I am back, we are gonna do everything in our power to seize the opportunity.
#workhorsemen
#manifesting
I worked with Eddie Kingston and the rest is history. Wrestling is wrestling and nothing is ever perfect. It is a chaotic business. However, I have been treated so well by AEW, and I am so thankful they came around and helped me. Last part>>>
Tonight was the end of 19 years of independent wrestling. I am not nervous & excited for what is to come. Thanks to every promoter, colleague, and fan who gave me the time of day. See everyone on the other side!
Next Wednesday, 4/17
Indianapolis, IN
Wednesday Night
#AEWDynamite
@TBSNetwork
8pm ET/7pm CT
@ClaudioCSRO
vs
@WillOspreay
This match could steal any show.
2 of the best wrestlers alive fight
1-on-1 for the first time ever in Indy live on TBS!
Claudio vs Ospreay
Next Wednesday!
It's wrestling. Nobody owns moves. It doesn't matter who created them. In addition, just because a move is done doesn't mean the person doing it saw someone else do it. Sometimes, great minds think alike.
People still believe that the
#workhorsemen
are free agents? We barely work independent shows and are at TV every week.
The Workhorsemen are doing just fine. Appreciate the support, as always!
I am gonna accept this injury as fate's way of telling me I needed time.
The reality is I have bulging discs in my back and haven't been 100% for over a year. When I come back, I will be 100% for the 1st in a long time, and everyone is in trouble then!
Hope everyone is ready!
This seems like a good time to mention that Sting once told me that I had the best kicks in the business. This may be my favorite compliment I have received from a colleague.
Sting rules, and it has been surreal to actually be able to call him a colleague. Thank you, Sting!
FTR is the best tag team in the world, and
@RealJDDrake
and I proved we are on that level as well. For a fleeting moment, we almost had them.
TY to all for the constant support. We feel the love, and it means the world to us.
The world knows who the
#workhorsemen
are now!
I'm really grateful I got to have my last match with WWE against
@WWEMaverick
. He is a total professional and allowed, and encouraged, me to be me, which was the only time I got to do that. He is a real blessing!
Wanted to shout out
@MustafaAli_X
for being the first person to check on me in the back. We don't even know each other well. He didn't have to care.
The
@deadlockpro
crew were more than willing to help in whatever way possible and continue to be accommodating. Thanks, all!
I went back home to Augusta defeated. I was injured, while with them, and was released and left to figure it out on my own, as all treatment was stopped. I wanted to quit wrestling all together. Then I was messaged about coming up to work an AEW dark taping. Part 3>>>
3 objectives in 2024:
1) Wrestlers in Japan
2) Wrestle Bryan Danielson 1 on 1
3) Show the world that the Workhorsemen are an ELITE tag team
#workhorsemen
#tagteamwrestling
From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. This business owes you nothing, but if you refuse to quit on yourself, you might be surprised by where you end up. Today is the highest high of
@RealJDDrake
and I's careers, and we earned every bit of it!
#workhorsemen
#AEW
@SiphoNkonde
@AEW
You came to MY page to essentially say I SHOULD have been released. Weak. You didn't have to comment. Could have done it on your page.
Example 2: NOT SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN. The wrestling community can be quite harsh, especially if you do not fit the cookie cutter mold people have in their minds. Drake has been torn to shreds by critics and still persevered. He became a top guy for a company that was loaded...
A thread:
Example 1: NOT SUPPOSED TO HAPPEN. Our first night ever teaming together. We didn't even like each other, but we became the
@WWNEVOLVE
tag team champions.
Gabe, at the time, even told us he threw us together for a cheap pop, as we were local to the area that night.
"Hard work is good for the soul, and it keeps you from feeling sorry for yourself because you don’t have time." -Dave Thomas
Time to get to work...
#workhorsemen
It's been real, FL. Kinda bitter sweet, I guess. Regardless of the end result, I pursued a major goal, relentlessly, and reached it. I'm not angry. I appreciate the experience. On to the next one!
Still hyped off the biggest match & moment of
@RealJDDrake
and I's careers. Let's keep that train moving.
We are available for select dates during mania weekend. RTs are appreciated! Let's get the word out!
Sting was a big reason for me getting into wrestling as a kid. He was my first favorite. Now, I get to stand in the same ring as the man. Life is wild. Still gonna
#punchinandnockout
Already beginning to feel the negative emotions creep into my psyche, so I'm taking a willful break from social media to get my mind right. I'll leave everyone with this!
#workhorsemen
@RealJDDrake
Credit:
@wheniescape
Yeah, so the latest revelations in the world of wrestling have helped make up my mind. I have thought about this long and hard. I am done with professional wrestling. At the end of this year, I am hanging it up. I am happier without it, honestly. Or maybe I should say...
Following a record shattering UK debut at
@wembleystadium
this summer, All Elite Wrestling (
@AEW
) will return to Wembley Stadium in 2024 over the Bank Holiday on Sunday 25th August,
#AEWAllIn
London.
#workhorsemen
I've wanted to work for ROH since 2002, when I first found it. Tonight, I debut for
@ringofhonor
against a pioneer of the promotion, nonetheless, in
@ColtCabana
. My best friend is by my side and I couldn't be more prepared. Everything is perfect. Let's do this!
The
@WWNEVOLVE
roster will always be family. I appreciate all of you for making me a better performer. I know NXT/WWE is the way for many...my path lies elsewhere. I have to do what is right for me. Do not know where I go from here, but I'll do what I always do and put in work!
Internet fans: too many people nobody cares about on TV.
Meanwhile, people are still tuning in. So obviously, people DO care.
Regardless, how do you think a promotion/promoter builds new stars? They have to be seen. It is a process. Your favorites were once "nobodies" too.
Realistically, I feel I have 5 more healthy years to give to professional wrestling, and I want them to be epic. I want to build a legacy of sorts for myself and the
#workhorsemen
. Is it too late for that?
"It's not too late. It's never too late"
Gonna take another break from the socials for a while. Maybe longer than last time. The place is too rough on the psyche right now. See you guys soon. Thanks for the support!
#workhorsemen
Internet is still talking. Cool. Talk away. Just glad to know that the positive comments outweigh the negative by a very large margin. Always appreciate the real supporters out there!
#workhorsemen