Aug 11, 8:00 PM
GCW promoter goes deeper on Avery Styles controversy
Cageside Seats
Veteran independent wrestler Arik Cannon’s criticism of how AJ Styles’ son Avery conducted himself at a recent GCW show has been one of the wrestle web’s main story since the weekend. Caught up in the controversy over nepotism and wrestling’s “pay your dues” culture was GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale. The indie company’s head man issued a brief statement late yesterday (Aug. 10) that seemed designed to not do any further damage to Lauderdale & GCW’s relationship with WWE — which has been friendly with occasional signs of collaboration, such as booking ID program matches — without completely throwing Cannon under the bus. On social media today, Lauderdale shared more: I respect arik cannon & i respect aj styles. Regardless of which side of this situation you’re on… Avery Styles is a kid and he deserves the same grace that would be afforded to any other teenager being thrown in to the deep end at this early stage in his career (and LIFE) hes gonna make mistakes along the way just as all r