Wrestling is a world built on narratives, on peaks and valleys of emotion carefully crafted for an audience. But sometimes, the planned story doesn’t unfold as expected, and the impact is deeply personal. For AEW’s Kyle Fletcher, the 2025 All In pay-per-view in London became a night he described as “one of the worst days of my whole life,” a stark contrast to the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the event. The TNT Champion recently opened up about the disappointment, detailing the anxiety and emotional toll of a rapidly changing situation that ultimately derailed his planned championship match.
Fletcher, speaking with Soundsphere Magazine, revealed the extent of the preparation and emotional investment he’d poured into the event. He’d been meticulously dieting for months, visualizing the moment he’d challenge for the TNT Championship. The anticipation, he explained, was immense. “Wow, this is the first time I’ve actually really spoken about that day,” Fletcher said. “It was one of the worst days of my whole life. When you have so much built-up anxiety, and you’ve put that pressure on yourself… You know, I’d been dieting for two, three months leading up to that show. Every single day, I’d been thinking about this moment, this match, all of it.”
A Championship Match Disrupted
The original plan for All In 2025 centered around a TNT Championship match between Fletcher and then-champion Adam Cole. Yet, just days before the event, Cole was forced to vacate the title and enter an injury hiatus, a development that sent ripples through AEW’s card. This necessitated a swift change of plans, ultimately leading to a multi-man match for the vacant championship. Dustin Rhodes would ultimately emerge victorious, claiming the title.
The abrupt shift occurred just five hours before Fletcher was scheduled to compete, leaving him in a state of uncertainty and emotional turmoil. “And then the rug gets pulled five hours before, you can’t really put into words what that kind of feels like,” Fletcher recounted. “I was just in this weird limbo. I had no idea what was gonna happen, and I had flown my mum out for that show. It was obviously a huge day for me, and then it just all went to shit. Obviously, this is my perspective.” The emotional weight of the situation was compounded by the fact that he’d brought his mother across the Atlantic to witness what he’d hoped would be a career-defining moment.
The Weight of Expectation
Fletcher acknowledged the difficulty in expressing his disappointment, admitting he felt hesitant to complain. “It’s very hard for me to complain about it, since I don’t feel like I have the right to complain about it,” he said. “But yeah, it was very emotional in a lot of different ways, and not how you want a big day like that to go.” The experience highlighted the intense pressure professional wrestlers face, not just to perform physically, but to manage expectations and navigate the unpredictable nature of the business. The world of professional wrestling often demands a level of resilience and adaptability, but even the most seasoned performers are vulnerable to the emotional impact of unforeseen circumstances.
The fallout from All In 2025 didn’t define Fletcher’s career, however. He persevered, and on July 31, 2025, he would ultimately capture the TNT Championship from Dustin Rhodes in a Chicago Street Fight on an episode of AEW Collision, as reported by Wrestling Observer Newsletter. This victory represented a significant milestone, a testament to his dedication and determination.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Now, as AEW prepares for its return to Wembley Stadium for All In 2026, Fletcher is focused on creating a more positive experience. He’s determined to make the next All In a day to remember, not just for himself, but for the fans as well. “So I think, especially this year, I just want to make sure it’s a day to remember and a much more positive one,” he stated. He’s aiming to not only meet expectations but to exceed them, to demonstrate the “greatness” he believes he’s capable of achieving.
Fletcher’s story serves as a reminder that behind the spectacle of professional wrestling, We find real people with real emotions. The carefully constructed narratives are brought to life by athletes who invest themselves fully in their craft, and who, like anyone else, experience both triumph and disappointment. His willingness to share his experience offers a glimpse behind the curtain, a humanizing perspective on a world often perceived as purely entertainment. The upcoming All In event in 2026 presents Fletcher with an opportunity to rewrite his personal narrative, to transform a painful memory into a moment of redemption and celebration.
AEW has not yet announced specific plans for the TNT Championship at All In 2026, but further details regarding the card are expected to be released in the coming weeks. Fans can stay updated on official announcements through AEW’s website and social media channels.
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