As anticipation builds for AEW Full Gear 2025, one of the event’s standout stars, Brody King, is addressing the ongoing criticism aimed at AEW president Tony Khan. Despite the promotion’s steady growth since its debut in 2019—including a lucrative multiyear deal with Warner Bros. Discovery to keep AEW programming on TBS and HBO Max—some fans have voiced concerns about AEW’s use of larger wrestlers. King, however, rejects these critiques, suggesting they don’t reflect the true picture of the company’s landscape.
Speaking to Newsweek Sports, King remarked, "I feel like at times that’s used as an escape for some people. I feel like the cream always rises to the top, not to be too cliché, but it does. If someone recognizes the work that you’re putting in and the dedication that you have, at some point, that’s going to pay off." Emphasizing the prominence of big men like himself, Powerhouse Hobbs, and Big Bill within AEW, King insists the narrative that AEW sidelines larger talent is unfounded. "We are thriving in AEW," he said, pointing out the repetitive nature of such critiques as an "echo chamber" that doesn’t align with reality.
King’s own journey in AEW has been one of resilience and adaptability. Initially part of the House of Black faction alongside Buddy Matthews and Julia Hart, King faced uncertainty when Matthews suffered an injury just as Malakai Black departed the company. This shift led King into a singles run and eventually to one half of the AEW World Tag Team Champions with Bandido. Reflecting on this transition, King shared, "It had a rocky start…then this pairing with Bandido happened, and it kind of caught fire. I think this has probably been one of my most successful years in wrestling."
The partnership between King and Bandido—dubbed "Brodido" by fans—has been both unexpected and successful. Their deep personal history, spanning nearly a decade of mutual respect and rivalry, has translated into chemistry inside the ring. King praised Bandido as "hands down one of the best wrestlers on the planet currently," underscoring the strength of their tag team as they prepare to defend their titles against the formidable FTR at Full Gear.
King holds FTR in high regard, acknowledging their status as one of wrestling’s greatest tag teams. "FTR has been longtime rivals of mine," King noted, recapping their previous intense encounters across various match types and locations. This upcoming Full Gear clash represents a significant benchmark for King and Bandido, who aim to deliver a memorable performance. "I want the people going like, ‘Woah, what was that? That was awesome,’" King expressed, underscoring his commitment to thrilling the fans regardless of the audience size.
Looking ahead to the Prudential Center in Newark, Brody King exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and growth that has come to define AEW’s locker room. As AEW Full Gear 2025 approaches, King’s confidence and perspective provide a clear counterpoint to critics, highlighting the promotion’s dedication to showcasing diverse talents and compelling wrestling entertainment for fans worldwide.
