Eddie Kingston isn't used to the kind of love AEW fans have been giving him.
Kingston won the ROH World Championship on Wednesday in Queen's, New York at AEW Grand Slam. He told Sports Illustrated that the fans inside Arthur Ashe Stadium that night took the match from a "four to a ten."
“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.”'
“It feels great when the crowd cheers, but it makes me nervous,” he continued. “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."
“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.”
Kingston dedicated the match to the memory of Xavier, who passed away on August 16, 2020. Xavier was the second-ever ROH World Champion, having defeated Low Ki for the belt on September 21, 2002.
“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.”
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