Kyle Fletcher has responded after facing sharp criticism from former WWE star Stevie Richards regarding his performance. Fletcher, who has steadily climbed the AEW roster since late 2024, addressed these comments while preparing for a significant title match set for All Out, where he will challenge Hangman Adam Page for the AEW World Championship.
Stevie Richards Questions Fletcher’s Wrestling Development
Since his debut in AEW, Kyle Fletcher initially gained recognition as part of a tag team alongside Mark Davis. With Davis sidelined by injury, Fletcher had to forge a path as a solo competitor. Over time, he has transformed into a prominent figure and is now considered a serious contender in AEW’s main event scene.
Despite this progress, Stevie Richards publicly criticized Fletcher on social media, suggesting the Australian wrestler lacks sufficient experience and storytelling ability in the ring. Richards remarked that Fletcher
“looked like an eventual NXT Superstar,”
implying he has not yet reached a higher echelon of wrestling skill or maturity.
Kyle Fletcher’s Measured Response to Criticism
Appearing on The Ringer Wrestling Show, Fletcher was asked about Richards’s remarks. The TNT Champion expressed that criticism is an inevitable part of the wrestling business and welcomed honest feedback as part of his growth. He emphasized, however, that context matters and he had thoroughly reviewed Richards’s comments beyond the viral clip.
“I think a lot of people on Twitter or whatever will just look at the one clip that gets posted. I went and I watched the full thing, everything that he said. Look, I’m not going to — I’m open to any and all critiques. That is fine. I’m in a world where it’s like, everyone is allowed to have an opinion. He has an opinion on who I am and what I am as a wrestler, and that’s fine.” —Kyle Fletcher, AEW TNT Champion
While acknowledging Richards’s right to share his view, Fletcher challenged the sincerity of the criticism. He disputed the claim that Fletcher lacks mentors within AEW or opportunities to learn, calling that assertion “absolute f*cking horsesh*t.” He pointed out that many experienced talents, specifically Bryan Danielson, are available for guidance, and that he is constantly absorbing knowledge from them.
“It just doesn’t feel like it’s in good faith, if that makes sense. I think a lot of those guys, they just kind of look for the buzzwords and look for the things that are going to get clicks or whatever. I don’t think he spoke a lot about, like, what the culture is at AEW. I don’t think he knows anything about the culture at AEW. He said there’s no one there for me to learn from. I think that’s absolute f*cking horsesh*t, you know what I mean? I am learning from people every single day that I’m there. There’s so many great minds there. There’s Bryan Danielson there almost every week. I mean, I’m open to criticism. I just don’t think it was in the best faith. But no ill will. I’m open to critique at any and all times. I’m 26 years old. I’m still trying to learn this business, man. I have a lot more room to grow, for sure.” —Kyle Fletcher, AEW TNT Champion
Fletcher Poised for AEW World Championship Opportunity
As Fletcher prepares for his first AEW World Championship challenge against Adam Page at the upcoming All Out event, his focus remains on growth and proving himself at the highest level. The match will proceed without any members of the Don Callis Family ringside, adding another dynamic to the contest. Wardlow had initially been part of this storyline but is sidelined due to a torn pectoral muscle.
Context of the AEW Environment and Mentorship
Fletcher’s mention of Bryan Danielson highlights the availability of veteran talent within AEW for emerging stars. Danielson’s presence and mentoring role exemplify an environment encouraging development, countering the notion that Fletcher is isolated or lacks resources. This mentorship is significant as Fletcher seeks to transition from tag team competitor to leading singles performer.
Industry Reactions Highlight Wrestling Landscape
The criticism and Fletcher’s response underscore tensions common in wrestling’s competitive environment, where candid opinions regularly circulate online. Fletcher’s willingness to address critique openly while defending his position reflects the pressures wrestlers face to balance growth with public perception. His readiness to continue learning speaks to his commitment despite the scrutiny.
Upcoming Wrestling Events and Broader Industry Highlights
Beyond Kyle Fletcher’s situation, the wrestling world continues to evolve with notable developments. Bryan Danielson recently acknowledged there is one thing that could jeopardize his AEW tenure. WWE also confirmed the date for its 2026 Royal Rumble event, stirring anticipation among fans. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes has made a return to WWE SmackDown and announced a match for Wrestlepalooza.
John Cena is set to conclude his wrestling career at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13, while WWE Hall of Famer Jerry Lawler is recovering after suffering another stroke. Stephanie Vaquer’s WWE Raw absence has generated confusion, and the Usos are preparing for a high-profile match against The Vision’s Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed at Wrestlepalooza. Additionally, Kofi Kingston has commented on why he believes the current WWE period is special.
Significance of Fletcher’s Rebuttal for His Career Trajectory
Kyle Fletcher’s rebuttal to ex-WWE star Stevie Richards could impact how fans and colleagues perceive his role in AEW moving forward. By confronting the criticism candidly, Fletcher signals his resilience and desire to improve despite external doubts. This approach may strengthen his standing within the promotion and help him maintain momentum as he seeks larger opportunities such as the AEW World Championship.
How Fletcher performs against Adam Page at All Out will likely be a defining moment in his career, testing whether he can live up to the expectations of being a main event presence. With key mentors at his side and a clear focus on honing his craft, Fletcher appears prepared to face these challenges head-on.
