AEW TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher has spoken out about the growing comparisons to WWE legend Randy Orton, which surfaced after Fletcher changed his appearance. On the October 23, 2024 episode of AEW Dynamite, Fletcher surprised fans by shaving off his bleached blonde hair just before his highly anticipated grudge match against Will Ospreay at AEW Full Gear 2024.
The transformation also included Fletcher bulking up his physique, which prompted fans and critics alike to draw visual parallels to Orton, the 14-time WWE World Champion. Fletcher was recently asked about whether his more flamboyant “Protostar” persona was influenced by these comparisons during an interview on The Ringer Wrestling Show.
Evolution of Fletcher’s New Look and Character
Fletcher emphasized that his new look was not purposely designed to mirror Randy Orton’s style. Instead, the Australian wrestler explained that shaving his head marked a deliberate effort to stand out and change his previous image. He said the decision to wear trunks, replace his jacket, and adjust his entrance attire were part of creating a distinct presence.
When the comparisons began, Fletcher responded thoughtfully:
“I was like ‘ok that’s a nice comparison but I never want to be a copy of someone else, I wanna be my own person’. So then it was from there ok how do we change things to become a little bit more unique, and then organically I ended up with the pink and the pink has stuck and everything just kind of evolves, it evolves very naturally into what it is today.”
This reflective approach has resulted in a character that feels authentic and continuously developing, separate from any direct influence of Orton’s legacy.
Upcoming AEW World Championship Opportunity
Looking ahead, Kyle Fletcher is scheduled to challenge Hangman Adam Page for the AEW World Championship at All Out 2025 on September 20. This match represents Fletcher’s first chance to claim AEW’s most prestigious men’s title, marking a significant moment in his rising career within the promotion.
As Fletcher prepares for this major opportunity, his distinct identity and evolving style will play a key role in defining his path forward in AEW’s competitive landscape.
