- Interview w/ Kyriakos Dimitropoulos
- Graphics creation: Aimilios Velia
In the second part of our exclusive interview (remember the first one here), Brian Kendrick offers a measured and deeply honest perspective on today’s wrestling landscape, shaped by his own experiences across generations. Additionally, he spoke about All Elite Wrestling, while also sharing the personal philosophies that continue to guide him inside and beyond the ring.
Drawing from his experiences across the United States, Europe, and Asia, Mr. Kendrick spoke candidly about the subtle but critical differences in wrestling cultures, the challenges of truly connecting with diverse audiences, and the discipline required to adapt rather than simply perform.
PART 2:
«Wrestlers have another option with AEW»
-What are your thoughts on the rise of All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and how it has changed the industry?
«It has changed wrestling in the sense that the wrestlers have another option. This has helped increase wrestlers saleries and for now, this is good for the competitors».
-Do you think AEW offers something to wrestlers that WWE doesn’t?
«More rope…».
-How do you view the balance today between storytelling and in-ring performance across major promotions?
«It’s difficult to say. I watch a lot of wrestling, but almost entirely from before my time».
-You’ve wrestled all over the world. What’s something fans might not understand about adapting to different wrestling cultures?
«That some do the same everywhere and others try to read each room and cater towards that night’s crowd».
-Which country or promotion challenged you the most as a performer?
«Definitely Japan. The are silent until it becomes compelling. If it is not good, they laugh».
«The moves today are more dangerous than ever»
-How does the audience connection differ between the U.S., Europe, and Asia?
«They differ in what they are. A symulated sport, a story of heart, a battle between good and evil. All different forms of escape».
-There’s increasing discussion about wrestler health. How do you think the industry is doing in protecting performers today?
«The wellness policy has helped in the drug overdoes. The moves today are more dangerous than ever.»
-What’s your take on creative freedom vs. business structure in wrestling companies?
«I think that with any job we have to do as we agree and by taking the booking you agree to what the promoter wants. When I have a promoter who trusts me, with little instruction, I enjoy it. I think for a promotion to succeed experienced wrestlers who are proggresive in their outlook of wrestling are a very important connection for the promoter and wrestler to have in between».
-Do you think social media has helped or hurt wrestling storytelling?
«Hurt. I think the magic is gone».
-How important is authenticity in modern wrestling characters compared to past eras?
«I think outrageous characters today would be huge. Over the top. People are aware now. If you are going to make it larger than life, go all the way».
«I hope some day that the young wrestlers will study what i did»
-What’s one misconception about the wrestling business you wish fans understood?
«Nothing. It makes no difference as long as they enjoy it».
-At this stage of your career, what drives you the most: performance, teaching, or legacy?
«Nothing more than this is what I do and that I am not happy when I have not wrestled for awhile».
-How do you want the wrestling world to remember Brian Kendrick?
«For nothing! But I do hope that someday, some young wrestler studies what it is I do the same way I studied wrestlers before me, and I hope that studying my wrestling helps them become better the same way wrestlers in the past have helped me».
-If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self starting out, what would it be?
«I want you to be nice… until it’s time to not be nice».
Throughout his career, Brian Kendrick has achieved success across multiple major promotions:
- WWE Tag Team Champion (with Paul London)
- World Tag Team Champion
- WWE Cruiserweight Champion
- TNA X Division Champion in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling
Beyond championships, Kendrick’s legacy is defined by his innovative in-ring style, deep understanding of storytelling, and lasting influence on younger generations of wrestlers.
