As All Elite Wrestling (AEW) gears up for its colossal event, All In, at London’s Wembley Stadium, many eyes are on the stacked card. However, for AEW and Ring of Honor (ROH) star Lee Moriarty, who isn’t scheduled for a match at this particular show, the focus is on soaking in the atmosphere and drawing inspiration from the high-profile bouts. In a recent conversation, Moriarty shared his anticipation for some of the marquee matchups, highlighting the championship contests as particularly compelling.
Anticipating Championship Showdowns
Moriarty specifically pointed to two championship matches as the ones he’s most eager to witness. The first is the highly anticipated AEW World Championship bout between Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay. Moriarty cited their past encounters, including a memorable match at Forbidden Door in Canada, as a significant factor in his excitement. “Both Kenny Omega versus Will Ospreay just because of the history they’ve had through the years,” Moriarty explained. “And one of my all-time favorite matches I’ve ever watched was at Forbidden Door Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay.”
Equally captivating for Moriarty is the AEW Women’s World Championship match featuring Mercedes Moné against Willow Nightingale. He noted the rich history between these two competitors, referencing their past battles over the New Japan Strong Championship and the TBS Championship. “And then we have Mercedes Moné against Willow Nightingale for the AEW Women’s World Championship. And their history going back to the New Japan Strong Championship, the TBS Championship,” he said. Moriarty believes these contests, steeped in existing rivalries, are poised to be truly special, offering a chance for him to observe and learn. “So, there’s just so much history between both of these competitors in each match and I think those are going to be really special and I’m looking forward to watching that and being inspired by it.”
Reflecting on Past All In Experience
While Moriarty won’t be competing at this year’s All In, he has a past connection to the event. Last year, he participated in an eight-man tag team match as part of his Shane Taylor Promotions stable, facing off against Dustin Rhodes, Marshall Von Erich, Ross Von Erich, and Sammy Guevara, collectively known as the Sons of Texas. The Sons of Texas ultimately secured the victory in that encounter.
The Path Back to the Spotlight
When asked about what it would take for him to earn a spot on a future All In card, Moriarty emphasized a commitment to consistent effort and self-improvement. “I think it’s just going to take work like I’ve been doing,” he stated. “Continue to put in the work. A lot of professional wrestling is timing and preparation. I’m prepared. It’s just the timing thing and I’m going to get there.” He expressed a strong belief in his ability to reach that goal and a determination to continually prove his standing in the wrestling world.
Moriarty confidently asserted his position among the elite, particularly in technical wrestling. “I’m going to continue to prove I am one of the best professional wrestlers when it comes to technical wrestling in the world,” he declared. “And right now, I’m the best pure wrestler on the planet.” This self-assuredness stems from his dedication to honing his craft and his recent successes.
Recent Championship Defense
Adding to his recent achievements, Moriarty successfully defended his Ring of Honor Pure Championship against Katsuyori Shibata at the Death Before Dishonor event held the previous weekend. This victory underscores his current form and his commitment to excellence in his championship reign.
The All In Spectacle
All In, scheduled for Sunday, promises to be a landmark event for AEW, drawing a massive crowd to the historic Wembley Stadium. The event is expected to attract wrestling fans from across the globe, both in attendance and watching via broadcast. The card features a variety of high-stakes matches, showcasing some of the top talent in professional wrestling. For wrestlers like Moriarty, even those not directly competing, events of this magnitude serve as significant benchmarks and sources of motivation within the industry.
Looking Ahead
As Moriarty draws inspiration from the performances at All In, his focus remains on his own trajectory. His recent championship defense and his clear ambition suggest that he is actively working towards securing his own marquee opportunities in major events. The wrestling landscape is constantly evolving, and Moriarty’s dedication to his craft and his belief in his abilities position him as a wrestler to watch in upcoming major shows, potentially including future iterations of All In.
