Josh Alexanders AEW arrival was a big dealbut it didnt come with a smile. The former TNA World Champion debuted on AEW television as a heel, aligning himself with the Don Callis Family and wasting no time letting fans know he wasnt there to play nice. And now, hes finally explained why.
Speaking to SHAK Wrestling, Alexander opened up about why turning heel made the most sense for him. Yeah, its more comfort than easier, because I dont think anything we do is easyyoure dealing with live crowds all the time, he began. But luckily Ive had 20 years of experience building up to this point where I debuted in AEW.
For Alexander, the decision to come in as a villain wasnt just strategicit was authentic to how he connects with fans. Ive always found that its much easier to be hated than it is to be likedespecially for somebody like me. I was the top babyface in TNA. I was the guy there, and it took years of work to kind of solidify myself in that role because Im not a flashy gimmick, you know what I mean?
He made it clear that his character has always relied more on grit than theatrics. My character is not over-the-top, not something thats going to go viral and connect instantly. I really connect with fans through what I do in the ringthe hard work, the perseverance, and everything Ive exemplified throughout my career and matches.
So when it came to stepping into AEWs spotlight, going heel just made sense. Its just an easier path to travel coming in as a heelestablishing that work ethic and the kind of Josh Alexander youre going to see in the ring. Because Im treating it like Im in front of all-new fans, even if a lot of them already know me.
Alexander also talked about his new alliance with the Don Callis Family and how the faction is becoming one of AEWs most dangerous units. You have Konosuke Takeshita Kyle Fletcher Lance Archer now Roppongi Vice. It just makes the group that much bigger and solidifies everyone within it, he said. And when it comes to Don Callis himself? For better or worse, hes the most hated entity in all of AEW, at least to the live crowds. Which makes things fun and easy.
Its clear Josh Alexander didnt come to AEW looking for cheers. He came to make an impacthis way.
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