Don Callis has publicly mocked former WWE star Stevie Richards for a recent critique aimed at AEW’s TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher. The comments came amid ongoing discussions about Fletcher’s rising success after joining The Don Callis Family in AEW.
Kyle Fletcher has dramatically advanced his wrestling career following his transition from tag team competition in NJPW with Aussie Open to a solo run in AEW. This shift became necessary after his tag partner Mark Davis suffered an injury, prompting Fletcher to establish himself as a singles competitor. Since then, Fletcher has earned widespread recognition, notably capturing the TNT Championship, showcasing his growth as a top performer.
Don Callis’s Social Media Response to Stevie Richards
Stevie Richards, known for his tenure in WWE and ECW, recently shared a video offering a critical assessment of what Kyle Fletcher allegedly lacks as a wrestler. This video drew attention from Don Callis, who responded sharply on social media.
Callis ridiculed Richards by writing:
BREAKING NEWS!! SCOTT LEVY MARK GIVES HELPFUL ADVICE TO SIX FOOT FOUR 240 LB STUD ATHLETE ABOUT WHAT HE IS MISSING….. ONE FORMER ECW ALUM STATES “ITS LIKE TOMMY DREAMER GIVING NUTRITION ADVICE”
—The Invisible Hand (@TheDonCallis)
Callis’s comparison implied Richards’s feedback was as unhelpful as former ECW star Tommy Dreamer offering nutrition advice to an athlete, highlighting Callis’s dismissive stance toward Richards’s critique. This exchange underscores the often contentious nature of wrestling commentary, where past stars occasionally challenge the achievements of current talent.
Kyle Fletcher’s Rising Profile in AEW and NJPW
Kyle Fletcher’s surge in AEW has been notable since his move to singles competition. Prior to this, he was primarily recognized as part of the successful tag team Aussie Open, known for their work in NJPW and AEW. Fletcher’s in-ring skills and striking look have helped him capture the TNT Championship, cementing his status as a major player in AEW’s roster.
The injury to Mark Davis was a turning point in Fletcher’s career trajectory, forcing him into singles competition where he continues to flourish under the guidance of The Don Callis Family faction. Fletcher remains a fan favorite and a prominent figure in AEW storylines.
Background on Stevie Richards and His Wrestling Career
Stevie Richards, whose real name is Michael Manna, spent nearly a decade with WWE between 1999 and 2008. He is widely remembered for his role in the controversial Right To Censor faction, which was often unpopular among fans. Following his WWE career, Richards has occasionally offered commentary and critique on wrestling performers, which has sometimes sparked reactions from current wrestling figures.
The Significance of This Exchange Amid Wrestling Commentary Culture
This public spat reflects a broader pattern in professional wrestling where former talents offer unsolicited advice or criticism toward current stars. Don Callis’s response to Stevie Richards highlights the divide between wrestling eras and the protective attitude many have regarding today’s top performers like Kyle Fletcher.
As Kyle Fletcher’s prominence in AEW continues to grow, the conversation around his abilities is likely to intensify, drawing responses both supportive and critical. Callis’s defense signals strong backing from influential AEW figures and foreshadows ongoing public discourse around Fletcher’s career.
