Kyle Fletcher, the newly crowned AEW TNT Champion, recently shared his thoughts on the significance of his ladder match against Mark Briscoe for the ROH World Title. During an interview with Fightful’s Down Under the Ring, Fletcher revealed how their first encounter sparked instant chemistry, shaping his fierce determination to claim victory over Briscoe. The two first crossed paths in a tag team match featuring Briscoe and his late brother Jay, but their singles title match marked a new level in their competition.
Fletcher explained that from their initial world title match, he quickly recognized a unique connection with Briscoe in the ring. Although he did not win that first opportunity, the experience left him with a strong motivation to improve and avenge the loss. Their similar career journeys contributed to this rapid bond, but Fletcher admitted he carried a “chip on my shoulder” to overcome Briscoe, especially after also losing a rematch at the Continental Classic event. This rivalry has fueled his drive to prove himself as a top competitor.
The Ongoing Deadlock and Stakes Ahead of Their Next Clash
Their head-to-head record is currently tied at three wins each, intensifying the stakes for their upcoming confrontation. Fletcher remarked,
“We’re 3-3, it’s all tied up, it makes sense. It’s 2026, we need to find out who the best is.”
The last match they fought was a No Disqualification bout, which pushed both wrestlers to their limits.
Fletcher emphasized the need for their next contest to be the climax of their heated rivalry.
“If we’re going to put a full stop at the end of this story, this rivalry of us, it needs to be the biggest and best. I’m out there every night to prove how God damn good I am. I want to be the best TNT Champion of all time and I want to put this rivalry to be. There is no better way than to make it the biggest and best match of the series and make it a ladder match. Being in my hometown, I want to make it as big of a spectacle as possible.”
— Kyle Fletcher, AEW TNT Champion
Upcoming Ladder Match Set for Grand Slam Australia
Fletcher and Briscoe are scheduled to meet later today for the AEW TNT Championship at Grand Slam Australia. The event will take place at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, with the broadcast airing in a delayed format on TNT at 8:00 pm ET and simultaneously streaming on HBO Max. This ladder match is expected to deliver a thrilling conclusion to their intense rivalry, with both athletes eager to assert supremacy and elevate their legacies.
Their ongoing competition has become one of the most compelling storylines in AEW and ROH wrestling circuits. As this feud nears a climactic milestone in Fletcher’s hometown, fans are anticipating a high-stakes contest that will shape the future of the AEW TNT title scene. This showdown will not only test their individual skills but also highlight how far both competitors have progressed since their first clash years ago.
