48-year-old sensation is All Elite, confirms AEW return plans
AEW presented its sixth annual Full Gear pay-per-view this past weekend. Several stars had a big night in New Jersey on Saturday, with some finding major success as we prepare to close another year. A certain talent with a massive following just declared that they are All Elite, and provided inside updates on his future, and a surprise injury.
The Costco Guys have officially invaded All Elite Wrestling. The Full Gear Zero Hour pre-show closed with "Big Boom!" AJ defeating QT Marshall in just under 12 minutes. AJ was accompanied to the ring by son Big Justice, and the family's 8-year-old friend The Rizzler, who was guest timekeeper. AEW's Vice President Of Show & Creative Coordination was accompanied by The Ace Of Space Academy. AJ, who had some success in the indies years before he found viral fame on TikTok and YouTube, worked the match with a broken foot.
AJ took to Instagram this week and confirmed the injury, revealing that he thinks it happened around the time he did the flying clothesline. AJ recalled his friends and family being in attendance, and how the adrenaline kicked in to allow him to finish the match.
The Costco Guy went on about how grateful he is for all the support and touted his AEW debut as a success. The social media star then provided updates on his injury and future with the company, revealing that he and Big Justice are All Elite.
"I have been in touch with Tony Khan today, also with the other executives at AEW, and I will be coming back. I will be back in the ring again, do not worry about that. 'Big Boom!' AJ has... about a six-to-eight week recovery here, but then I will be back in the ring again. We'll be doing a few things with AEW during that time, so stay tuned... we've got some real fun stuff coming your way," AJ Befumo said.
AJ continued:
"What I really wanted to do was come on and thank everyone out there, everyone at AEW that have welcomed me just like family, right from the start. I know this was a crazy idea, to bring [back] someone who hasn't been in the ring for twenty years, that is [now] a social media creator, and give him an opportunity like this, but I am forever grateful, and as always... AJ and Big Justice, we are All Elite, and I will be back in the ring before you know it. Bring the Boom!"
Khan has had major praise for AJ, noting that the social media star brought a breath of positivity to AEW in recent weeks. The AEW-ROH boss also jokingly touted AJ's undefeated record on Saturday night.
AEW Continental Classic match announced
All Elite Wrestling previously announced that the second annual Continental Classic Tournament will kick off on Wednesday's Thanksgiving Eve Dynamite. The tournament will wrap up at the Worlds End PPV on December 28.
The first Continental Classic Gold League bout has been announced for this week's Dynamite in Chicago. Brody King will face "eternal rival" Darby Allin to kick off the classic.
Worlds End will feature the Blue League winner vs. the Gold League winner in the final for the Continental Championship, currently held by Kazuchika Okada.
The Rainmaker is in the Blue League, along with Shelton Benjamin, Mark Briscoe, Kyle Fletcher, The Beast Mortos, and new TNT Champion Daniel Garcia, who will also defend. The Gold League features Allin, King, Claudio Castagnoli, Ricochet, Will Ospreay, and Juice Robinson.