AJ Francis claims influence on Trick Williams’ success after asserting in a recent interview that he was pivotal in the ascent of several wrestling stars. The TNA Wrestling personality shared his views during a conversation with Malcolm on the Muscle Memory YouTube channel, stating his belief that he has been instrumental in transforming the careers of Trick Williams, Joe Hendry, Casey Navarro, and Rich Swann.
Francis Asserts His Impact on Fellow Wrestlers
During the interview, AJ Francis expressed a deep conviction about his impact, crediting himself as the driving force behind many careers that have flourished after encounters with him. He described himself as having a unique effect on the professional trajectory of those he works alongside, positioning himself at the center of modern wrestling success stories.
“When we go back in the annals of time, and we look at all the people that I’ve crossed paths with and how their career has changed after they cross paths with me, we’ll be able to discuss who really is the greatest star of this generation, which is myself,”
—Francis stated.
Francis Credits Himself for Casey Navarro’s Success
AJ Francis began his case by highlighting the rise of Casey Navarro, a fellow First Class stable member and former TNA Digital Media Champion. He insisted that Navarro’s newfound recognition is a direct result of their partnership, downplaying suggestions that Navarro had improved independently in recent years.
“Y’all wasn’t talking about Casey Navarro,”
—Francis said.
“Casey is not a better talent than he was a year ago. He was just as good last year. The difference is he got to be with me, so he got to highlight how good he is.”
—Francis
Revitalizing Rich Swann’s Career
Turning to Rich Swann, AJ Francis maintained that Swann only regained prominence after joining the First Class faction. Francis argued that the wrestling community had largely dismissed Swann until his association with the group breathed new life into his profile.
“You guys had wrote Rich Swann off completely. Yeah, until he joined First Class.”
—Francis
Taking Credit for Joe Hendry and Trick Williams
AJ Francis did not shy away from making bold statements regarding Joe Hendry and Trick Williams. He asserted that Joe Hendry’s surge in popularity, notably the spike in his music’s downloads, followed only after bouts with Francis himself.
“Nobody was downloading Joe Hendry’s music until he started wrestling AJ Francis.”
—Francis
His remarks about Trick Williams, the current TNA World Champion, were particularly charged with agitation. Francis insisted he was responsible for the first hostile crowd reaction Williams ever experienced, attributing this turning point to their confrontation and the effect of the First Class faction.
“I don’t remember any other time Trick left the stage to a chorus of boos like he did at the end of the First Class Penthouse. You got heel Trick because you put him with First Class… people hate me.”
—Francis
Francis Responds to Newfound Attention
Concluding his interview, AJ Francis expressed frustration and indifference toward fans who have only recently started to appreciate his contributions, claiming he has always been true to himself and dismissing late recognition as poor judgment.
“I don’t care about them people that like me now. I ain’t changed anything. If you just now realizing that I’m the man, then you have bad taste.”
—Francis
These statements from AJ Francis have set off further debate within TNA Wrestling and among fans, raising questions about the nature of influence and recognition in the wrestling industry. As the spotlight remains on the stars highlighted by Francis, his claims are likely to shape ongoing discussions around the rise of these wrestlers and the real drivers behind their success.
