Why AEW's newest sensation left wrestling for 19 years before triumphant 2024 return
AEW has signed a mainstream star with a massive following to its roster. The longtime grappler recently made a significant first impression on Tony Khan, and now many are waiting patiently for his return to the ring. The powerhouse is now opening up on what led to the lengthy pause in his career.
AJ Befumo Jr. is better known as one-half of The Costco Guys - Big Boom AJ and Big Justice, his 12-year-old son. AJ recently became a viral sensation on TikTok and YouTube, but he gave pro wrestling a shot years before social media. Known then as "The American Powerchild" Eric Justice, the New Jersey family man worked indie promotions in the Garden State from the late 1990s through 2002, with a few more shows until the mid-2000s. AJ was a certified social media star by the time this year hit, and in October, he teamed with AEW's Iron Savages to defeat Elliot Qrow, ERA, and Ricky Martinez at a CCW event.
The Costco Guy recently linked up with AEW to heavy fanfare and defeated QT Marshall on the Full Gear Zero Hour pre-show last month. Despite suffering a broken foot during the match, AJ revealed that he and his son are now All Elite, and they will be bringing the boom to All Elite Wrestling in the near future. Speaking to RJ City on AEW's "Hey (EW!)" show, AJ commented on why he stepped away from the squared circle 19 years ago.
"At the time, I went as far as wrestling as I really wanted to go, without being on the road so many days a year," Big Boom AJ said. [H/T to SEScoops]
AJ noted that he likely would not have moved on from pro wrestling if he had his current social media following. It was teased that AJ's current fanbase may be large enough to help him launch a full-time return to the ring if he decides to.
Big Boom AJ! once teamed with WWE Hall of Famer before AEW
Big Boom AJ of The Costco Guys just resumed his pro wrestling career and has already defeated a multi-time champion in QT Marshall. AEW has teased that AJ will wrestle again down the line.
AJ worked most of his indie matches in the late 1990s through 2002, with a few more in 2003 and 2005. On April 30, 2005, AJ teamed with WWE Hall of Famer Jim Neidhart at the NWS Chris Candido Memorial J-Cup Tournament event in Tom's River, NJ. They defeated Hasheem Ali and former WWE star Simon Diamond.
The Costco Guy also worked one match on October 9, 2021, at a SAW show in Lacey Township, NJ. AJ teamed with The bWo's Hollywood Nova and The Blue Meanie for a win over Rhett Titus, Rik Ratchet, and Traxx.