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Darby Allin Explains Why He Referenced Cody Rhodes On AEW Dynamite

Darby Allin AEW

Darby Allin has revealed why he referenced former AEW VP Cody Rhodes during a recent edition of AEW Dynamite.

The 31 year-old star caused a huge stir after bringing up the name of Rhodes on the 14th February edition of Dynamite, with many fans surprised at his decision to bring up the WWE Superstar during a promo intended to hype an upcoming bout with The Young Bucks.

Allin will join forces with Sting to defend the AEW Tag Team Championship against the cocky duo at AEW Revolution on 3rd March. The event, set to emanate from the Greensboro Coliseum will mark the final ever in-ring appearance of the legendary WWE Hall of Fame performer.

During a recent interview with Digital Spy, Allin detailed his reasons for bringing up ‘The American Nightmare’ despite him now being signed to a rival promotion:

“That’s easy because he’s the reason I’m in AEW. You think back to my debut, I wrestled him at Fighter Fest and we went a 20-minute Broadway draw.

For him to take a chance on me that early… I was relatively super unknown still, I was never really the guy on the independent scene. He did that.

You’ve got to give respect where respect is due. I feel very strongly on paying homage to how I got here because I never thought I was going to get here.”

Darby Allin Dismisses Criticism Of Recent Promo

Allin was quick to shake off online criticism of the promo, emphasising the importance of his history with the company, including Rhodes’ contribution, in building the story ahead of the bout:

“I only pay attention to what I think, I really don’t care about what anyone else thinks.

You’ve just got to listen to yourself about things. I really felt it was important for me to tell my part of the story leading into that match and not just be this second-rate character going into the match.

I have a lot of things I wanted to say to the Young Bucks and I said it and so be it. I just want to go out there and speak my mind on things.”

H/T: DigitalSpy for the above transcription.