Professional wrestler and AEW star Darby Allin is in high spirits following his successful ascent of Mount Everest in May. The climb, initially planned for 2024, was postponed after Allin suffered a foot injury during wrestling, but he has now reached the summit, marking a significant personal achievement.
Physical and Mental Resilience Reflected in Everest Journey
Allin shared his reflections on the climb during his appearance on the podcast WTF with Marc Maron, where he revealed both his body and mind are in excellent condition after the expedition. Despite expectations of serious physical strain, Allin described feeling unexpectedly strong following his return from the mountain and subsequent travels.
“I thought, you know, coming back, I was going to be all mangled and sh*t and it was going to be like snap back — because outside of just wrestling, I skateboard all the time and I do all [this] other crazy stuff. So pretty much as soon as I got back, I was off to a plane to Bahamas to film Shark Week. So it was like a whole thing, but my body feels great. I feel mentally great. And that’s the coolest thing is I’ve learned so much inside within myself on that mountain.”
—Darby Allin
Mount Everest Climb as a Powerful Personal Triumph
The journey presented an emotional and spiritual challenge for Allin, who was moved to tears upon reaching the peak due to the overwhelming sense of accomplishment. For someone accustomed to the scripted outcomes of professional wrestling, climbing Everest offered a rare chance to face true physical and mental hardship on his own terms.
Allin expressed that while he deeply values wrestling as a profession, it is one where success depends on decisions made by others. His climb proved his ability to overcome an immense challenge independently, a feat enabled largely by AEW president Tony Khan’s support.
“A lot of people in the world of wrestling, man, they just chew you up and spit you out and leave you with nothing,”
Allin stated.
And the fact that he allowed me to do this — I’m so grateful for it.”
—Darby Allin
Upcoming AEW Return and Evolving Career Priorities
Although Allin has not yet reappeared on AEW television since his Everest expedition, speculation surrounds his involvement in the upcoming All In: Texas event. His last AEW match was in December 2024 before taking leave to focus on the adventure. Allin emphasized he does not require the World Championship title to feel validated or successful.
“I already feel like I’m the champion of the world,”
Allin explained.
“I don’t need the championship belt per se to feel validated because I’m already winning in life. I feel so free and I feel so happy. I was like, dude, I’m just grateful for everything.”
—Darby Allin
Further Public Appearances and Media Engagements
In addition to his wrestling career, Allin will feature in Discovery Channel’s Shark Week series, appearing in the episode Caught! Sharks Strike Back on July 24. His involvement in this project showcases his diverse interests beyond wrestling and mountaineering.
Significance of the Everest Climb on Allin’s Life and Career
Darby Allin’s successful Mount Everest climb serves as an inspiring example of determination and self-discovery. It highlights the importance of physical and mental perseverance and reflects a deep personal milestone. Supported by figures like Tony Khan, Allin balances his wrestling career with extraordinary off-ring challenges, paving the way for renewed energy and new storylines in AEW. His journey will likely influence his upcoming performances and public endeavors while inspiring fans worldwide.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened between Darby Allin and Gigi Dolin?
A. In an interview on Vickie Guerrero’s podcast four months after the fact, she stated that she and Allin had divorced but stayed friends.
Q. Did Darby Allin climb Everest?
A. Darby Allin is the first wrestler to climb Mount Everest. Jeremy Spaulding Hogan wanted to be the first, but he didn’t achieve it. Hogan needed to face Benjamin Shelton before attempting the climb.
Q. Did Darby Allin get hit by a bus?
A. That uncomfortable situation when you are walking across a street in New York with a hurt foot and a bus hits you…
