Eddie Kingston Reflects on AEW’s Evolution: “It’s Definitely Changed — The Roster, The Office, All That Stuff”
AEW is entering its sixth year — and as most fans will tell you, the company that debuted in 2019 isn’t the same All Elite Wrestling we see on television today. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Between blockbuster Warner Bros Discovery TV deals, global expansion, and one of the most loaded rosters in wrestling, AEW has grown from a bold alternative to a full-fledged powerhouse. Few people have seen that transformation up close quite like Eddie Kingston, who’s been with the promotion since 2020.
Eddie Kingston Keeps It Real on AEW’s Growth
Speaking on Busted Open Radio, the former AEW World Champion was asked whether the company has changed since his debut. In classic Eddie fashion, he didn’t sugarcoat it:
“No, it’s changed. It’s definitely changed. The roster has changed, the office has changed, all that stuff. Has it changed for good or for bad? That’s not for me to say because I still get my check, so to me, it’s good still.”
— Eddie Kingston [H/T Fightful]
That brutally honest — and hilariously humble — response is pure Kingston. He knows the business evolves, and as long as AEW continues giving him a platform to fight, he’s all in.
While Eddie kept his verdict neutral, the overall sentiment among fans (and even Tony Khan) has been positive. Khan recently said that 2025 might be AEW’s best year ever, and the ratings, live attendance, and event reactions seem to back him up.
A New-Look AEW Locker Room
Kingston specifically pointed to how much the AEW roster has evolved over time — and he’s right. The locker room has seen major turnover and fresh faces since his 2020 debut.
AEW’s landscape now features rising international names like Thekla, Mike Bailey, and Josh Alexander, alongside top-tier headliners like Bryan Danielson, Swerve Strickland, and Will Ospreay — stars who weren’t part of AEW’s foundation but now define its modern era.
Meanwhile, AEW has also said goodbye to some of its early cornerstones. Pentagon Jr., Rey Fenix, CM Punk, and even Cody Rhodes — the man Kingston first wrestled on AEW TV — have since moved on, many to WWE.
Still, Eddie Kingston has remained one of AEW’s constants: the gritty, no-nonsense fighter whose loyalty to the brand is as strong as his punches.
“I love AEW. This is where I wanted to be when I came in, and I’m proud to still be here,” Kingston said in a prior interview.
Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
Behind the scenes, Kingston’s comments reflect a real cultural shift within AEW. Several veteran talents have described the company’s atmosphere as more “structured” and “corporate” compared to its earlier, chaotic years — something that comes with mainstream TV growth.
Yet, according to AEW insiders, that change has also brought better creative organization and a more consistent locker room morale. Eddie Kingston remains a locker room leader, respected by both veterans and younger stars for his authenticity and ability to cut through the noise.
As AEW continues to expand globally, one thing’s clear — Kingston represents the heart of AEW’s original identity, even as the company evolves around him.
