AEW Unrestricted

Keith Lee shares his reaction to the huge pop he received from the fans during his AEW DYNAMITE debut, the significance of his entrance theme music, the meeting with Tony Khan that sealed his decision to come to AEW, and what it means to “forward march” and be “limitless.” Keith speaks to the whirlwind week of massive moments in his life that included his wedding to Mia Yim and his AEW debut. He also chronicles his serious and scary battle with COVID, and the long-term effects that nearly cost him his wrestling career. Plus, he talks about his football career, his love of anime, his time in indie wrestling in Texas, the match with Donavan Dijak that ultimately changed his life, and what he learned from both Jim Ross and William Regal.

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It didn’t take long after his AEW debut for Lee Moriarty to make a statement in the ring against CM Punk and Bryan Danielson. He talks about working with both, how and when he found out about his high-profile matches, and what he learned from the experiences. Lee discusses his Taiga Style philosophy and the meaning behind his mask, the reason he wears the drop singlet, his love of MF DOOM, and why he doesn’t consider himself a “technical wrestler.” Lee also shares stories from his time training lucha libre in Mexico, and reveals what he loves about Japanese wrestling.

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AEW REVOLUTION is live from the Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida this Sunday, March 6th at 8pm Eastern! AEW CEO, GM and Head of Creative Tony Khan returns to break down the exciting matchups with Ref Aubrey and Tony Schiavone. Major Championships are on the line: Hangman Adam Page and Adam Cole in an AEW World Championship match; Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. defending the AEW Women’s World Championship title against Thunder Rosa; CM Punk and MJF squaring off in a highly emotional dog collar match; reDRagon attempting to claim the AEW World Tag Team Championship from Jurassic Express; an epic battle between Chris Jericho and Eddie Kingston; Tay Conti hoping to take the TBS Championship from Jade Cargill; every fan’s dream match between Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson; and an action-packed Face Of The Revolution Ladder Match.

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Captain Shawn Dean works on the AEW Community Outreach team, helps book talent for AEW DARK and ELEVATION, is part of the Sammy Vlog crew, and is one of just 3 people who’ve beaten MJF at AEW! He tells the story of how he came to help CM Punk cost MJF a win, the role that QT Marshall and the Nightmare Factory played in his training and his AEW career, the phone call during the pandemic that changed his life, and “puttin’ on bangers for each other” at Daily’s Place. Shawn talks about growing up in South Side, Chicago, watching wrestling with his dad as a kid, his Navy career, playing arena football, starting wrestling training later in life in Atlanta, and the importance of believing in yourself. Shawn also explains what he looks for when booking talent for AEW, the best way to approach him if you want to be seriously considered, and why he’s so excited to see Daniel Garcia and Skye Blue’s growth. Plus, Shawn answers fan questions about “hit him with the deal,” his 0-49 record on AEW DARK, and his Coach Cap bits on Sammy’s Vlog.

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Alex Marvez had a ringside seat to the formation of AEW. He explains how his friendship with Tony Khan allowed him to see AEW develop, grow and launch from the ground up. Alex talks about his own offer to join AEW, and the moment he knew Tony Khan really had something in the new wrestling company. Alex remembers AEW’s inaugural show, 2019 Double or Nothing, how he prepared for it, and what the experience was really like for him personally. He describes his day-to-day, behind the scenes gig for AEW DYNAMITE and RAMPAGE, how he keeps track of AEW stats, talent backgrounds and storylines, what it’s like working with The Young Bucks, Chris Jericho, and Jon Moxley, and why Mr. Brodie Lee was the scariest interview Alex has ever conducted. Plus, Alex shares his introduction to wrestling as a kid, the first live show he attended, his favorite wrestlers, how he got started in wrestling journalism, and the secret to backstage teleporting.

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Cody Rhodes and Amanda Huber head the AEW Community Outreach team (with a big assist from Captain Shawn Dean). They describe the program's origins and goals, speak to some of their favorite activations to date, explain how they get AEW talent like Malakai Black, Ruby Soho, Thunder Rosa, and Mark Henry involved, and reveal how they decide which charity organizations to partner with in each respective city. They also share details about a couple of huge, upcoming projects including the “Who We Are: A Celebration of Excellence, Vol. 1” compilation album for Black History Month benefitting The Bootsy Collins Foundation, and a fashion show featuring original designs by AEW's lead seamstress, Sandra Gray. Plus, they discuss the unbelievable growth of the AEW Women’s Division, balancing wrestling and parenthood, the AEW baby boom, and Cody’s future plans for his beautiful baby girl, Libby.

And watch the video version of this episode on YouTube if you’d like a first-hand look at Amanda’s trophy!

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Kyle O’Reilly made his AEW DYNAMITE debut and beelined straight for Orange Cassidy! He talks about his surprise mid-match appearance, how it all came together so quickly, and the incredible reaction he received from the AEW fans. Kyle speaks to reuniting with Adam Cole and Bobby Fish, getting his first W at AEW, reDRagon’s theme music, and why the AEW locker room feels like home. He shares stories from his high school days playing rugby, reveals what inspired him to pursue a career in pro wrestling, and explains why his MMA training is so important to his in-ring performance. Plus, you’ll discover Kyle and tag partner Bobby Fish’s backstage nicknames!

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Brandon Cutler (aka Landon aka Two Contract Cutler aka Cold Spray Cutler) was the first person to do an entrance and step foot in an AEW ring when he debuted at the inaugural AEW Double or Nothing in 2019. He’s also the heart and soul behind the “Being The Elite” YouTube show. Brandon explains how he originally got involved in BTE filming and production, the details behind the emotional moment he received his two AEW contracts from The Young Bucks, the storylines that have crossed over to AEW DYNAMITE (like John Silver and the Dark Order), and the evolution of the Cutler Cam. Brandon also talks about his “There Must Be A Winner” feud and match with Peter Avalon on AEW DARK, and how he went from that to Corporate Stooge for The Elite with his track suits, face mask and cold spray. Plus, Brandon answers fan questions about his longtime friendship with Matt and Nick Jackson, Critical Botch, tag team wrestling, shoes, and the epic dragon coat!

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The Pro Wrestling Illustrated 2021 Awards have just been revealed, and it was pretty much a sweep for AEW! From Rookie Of The Year to Wrestler Of The Year to Tag Team Of The Year to Most Hated Wrestler, AEW dominated! PWI Editor-In-Chief Kevin McElvaney and Senior Writer Al Castle join to breakdown the award categories, the winners, the runners up, and share thoughts on why they believe the AEW Women’s Division cleaned up with 4 big wins for the likes of Britt Baker and Jade Cargill, and how Comeback Of The Year could have as easily gone to Sting or Christian Cage as it did to winner CM Punk. They also discuss Indie Wrestler of the Year winner Nick Gage and how AEW may have contributed his win, and share some of the funnier reader write-in “unofficial” awards (like Stooge Of The Year and Hot Tub Time Machine Match) that went to AEW.

Digital version is available at: https://www.zinio.com/pro-wrestling-illustrated/console-3107-231782-i514221

Pre-order the print version now at: https://pwi-online.com/product/april-2022-pwi-awards-issue/

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Leyla Hirsch was born in Russia and moved to the United States with her twin sister after they were adopted at 8 years old. Leyla talks about coming to a new country, learning to speak English, what she misses most about Russia, and how she discovered pro wrestling. She speaks to all the things that hooked her into wrestling, convincing her mom to let her try, and giving up her college scholarship to pursue professional wrestling. Leyla remembers her first day training, her first match, wrestling in Germany and Japan, and how all of that led to signing with AEW! Plus, you’ll hear her thoughts on her matches with Hikaru Shida and Serena Deeb, why Eddie Kingston and Bryan Danielson are two of her favorite wrestlers today, and how her amateur career has influenced her in-ring style.

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