Eddie Kingston: ‘I’m Not Used to This Kind of Love’

AEW star Eddie Kingston is wrestling’s newest double champion, as he holds the Ring of Honor world championship and the New Japan Pro-Wrestling Strong Openweight title

Eddie Kingston defeated Claudio Castagnoli this past Wednesday at Arthur Ashe Stadium during AEW’s “Grand Slam” edition of Dynamite, fulfilling a piece of his destiny by winning the Ring of Honor world title.

The win made Kingston a double champion. He is the reigning New Japan Pro-Wrestling Strong Openweight champion, as well as the new ROH champ. A native of New York, the crowd in Queens showered Kingston with affection as he raised his arm in victory. Nearly everyone was happy with the outcome, though there was one especially noticeable exception.

“You know me, I’m always hard on myself,” said Kingston. “I think I always could have done better. But the crowd was the best part. I’m biased, but New Yorkers, they’re the best. They don’t just cheer for you, they fight for you. I saw it all the time at Yankee Stadium. It’s how we are.

“The match was fine, but the crowd made it feel bigger. They took it from a four to a ten.”'

Hard-hitting and full of passion, the match was a joy to behold. Kingston was reminded of that, and, in return, he expressed his gratitude. But he shared that accepting praise is difficult, especially as he grows in notoriety while part of AEW.

“It feels great when the crowd cheers, but it makes me nervous,” said Kingston. “I’m not used to this kind of love. It makes me ask myself, ‘Why do they love me?’ Then I start doubting myself. It’s all part of my curse. But as long as people are fans of pro wrestling, that’s good enough for me.

“Professional wrestling is my mixed martial arts. So thank you very much for supporting pro wrestling. Me, I’m the guy who grew up in Yonkers–I’m still that guy. So when people cheer for me, or want to take a picture with me, I get a little bashful. I don’t see the big deal. I’m just me. But I am blessed and lucky enough to do the dream job I’ve wanted since I was nine. I don’t see myself as a big deal. I’m still the kid from Yonkers.”

A lot has changed for Kingston since his arrival in AEW in July of 2020. Only months prior to that, he found himself on the cusp of retirement. Short on money and high on frustration, Kingston began to sell his gear in order to pay his mortgage bill–and prepared for a life outside wrestling.

“The pandemic hit when I was doing a three-month tour in the UK,” said Kingston. “I had to pay like $1,800 to get home before they shut down. There were no indie shows, but I still had to pay my mortgage. I started selling my boots, gear, pictures, whatever I could. My career, it was over. I was ready to get a job outside of wrestling. I was at the door of leaving the business, but I did one indie show, then I fought Cody.”

The match against Cody Rhodes opened a whole new world for Kingston, who is now an integral part of AEW.

“I got the contract in AEW, and look where we are now,” said Kingston. “I still can’t believe it.”

No amount of success has caused Kingston to lose touch of his roots. A devoted wrestling fan since childhood, he would daydream about the squared circle during class. His favorite match of all-time is Mitsuharu Misawa against Toshiaki Kawada in All Japan Pro Wrestling from June 3, 1994, and his Dynamite victory against longtime rival Castagnoli was won with a powerbomb, which he did in honor of Kawada.

Kingston also dedicated the match to the memory of Xavier, who was the second-ever Ring of Honor world champion.

“I know a lot of people miss him,” said Kingston. “I miss him. His family misses him. We celebrate a lot of the past, and we should celebrate him, too. He’s the second champion ever. Let’s put some respect on him.”

Kingston even shook hands with Castagnoli, a proud post-match ROH tradition–but especially notable here considering their bitter history.

“Ten years ago, I’d have spit in his face,” said Kingston. “Maybe it isn’t a lot, but I’ve got a little wiser over the years. There is still some animosity, but we both showed each other some respect.”

After the match, Kingston made sure to hug and kiss his parents. He took a cold shower and then a hot shower to loosen up his body, spent time with his loved one, and went to bed–all while constantly thinking about how he is going to defend two titles in a captivating manner.

“That’s all I could think about,” said Kingston. “That’s how this business is. You try to leave in the moment, which I did for maybe a minute in the ring, but then you’re focused on what’s next.

“I need to honor the lineage of the Ring of Honor title. I need to keep building the Strong Openweight title. For me, it’s back to work.”