started · updated
Wrestling veterans weigh in on Avery Jones controversy
Professional wrestling figures are weighing in on a controversy involving Avery Jones, son of AJ Styles, following a GCW event in Minneapolis. The dispute began when Arik Cannon criticized Jones on social media, alleging that the young wrestler failed to assist with post-show duties such as setting up or breaking down the ring.
Matt Hardy commented on the situation via his podcast, noting that while Jones could have offered more help, Cannon should have addressed the matter privately rather than publicly on social media. Hardy also noted that GCW had specifically reached out to and paid for Jones's travel, suggesting the arrangement may not have explicitly required him to perform ring crew duties.
Rob Van Dam also joined the discussion, siding against the traditional 'pay your dues' mentality that requires younger wrestlers to handle equipment. Van Dam argued that performers should be able to focus on their matches, suggesting that promoters should employ dedicated experts for ring setup and teardown.
Entities
AJ Styles · Arik Cannon · Avery Jones · Matt Hardy · Rob Van Dam
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] GCW reportedly contacted Avery Jones and paid for his travel expenses for the event. www.solowrestling.com · wrestlingheadlines.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] AJ Styles argued that his son was booked to wrestle rather than serve as part of the ring crew. www.ringsidenews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Matt Hardy suggested that Arik Cannon should have addressed the issue with Avery Jones privately instead of on social media. www.solowrestling.com · wrestlingheadlines.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Rob Van Dam expressed support for the idea that wrestlers should focus on performing rather than being required to handle ring setup to 'pay their dues'. www.ringsidenews.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Arik Cannon criticized Avery Jones for allegedly not assisting with ring setup and post-show tasks at a GCW show in Minneapolis. www.solowrestling.com · wrestlingheadlines.com · www.ringsidenews.com