As I reflect upon the intriguing tale of AJ Befumo and QT Marshall’s impending wrestling match at Full Gear, my heart swells with admiration for these two men who have journeyed through the ropes of life and are now poised to grapple in the ring.
Previously known for creating a buzz on TikTok and achieving social media stardom within the past year, Andrew Befumo had a career as a professional wrestler long before that. Now, more than two decades after retiring, his online popularity has brought him back into the wrestling world in an unexpected face-off against AEW’s QT Marshall.
In the last year, if you’ve used any social media platform, chances are you’ve come across The Costco Guys. A.J., who goes by Befumo online, gained popularity by featuring his family, emphasizing their unique personalities, and sharing their opinions on different food items.
How did a TikTok influencer manage to step into an AEW wrestling ring during a PPV event? And not just any opponent, but Q.T. Marshall. We had a chance to chat with him and discover that Befumo’s background in wrestling stretches way back, and this match, after 20 years of anticipation, holds great significance.
Beyond simply a wrestling organization cashing in on an online sensation’s popularity, there’s a deeper, more intimate connection at play here, as Marshall (Michael Cuellari) expressed – this encounter carries a level of personal significance that couldn’t be any higher.
Decades out of the ring
1999 residents of New Jersey might have recognized the name Eric Justice, as he was a prominent figure in a small-scale local promotion. Known as ‘The American Powerchild’, Befumo was a beloved figure from their hometown.
During the 2000s’ initial years, he played a crucial role in maintaining stability, contributing to hype and ticket sales for the company. Although professional wrestling was experiencing a boom during this period, with figures like The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin leading the ‘Attitude Era’, Befumo’s career was limited to regional independent circuits at that time, not advancing beyond.
As a devoted admirer, I gracefully stepped back to make way for the rising stars, the future champion who’d propel our community forward. The wrestler in question? None other than Q.T. Marshall.
In simpler terms, Marshall shared with us that as he was leaving, he presented me as his successor to someone. After twenty years, during which their lives diverged greatly, they find themselves crossing paths once more.
Looks like Big BOOM A.J @ajbefumo has answered @QTMarshall’s challenge!#AEWFullGear
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) October 17, 2024
As Befumo’s online identity gained popularity, and the family’s social media presence exploded, AEW’s Sonjay Dutt proposed an intriguing idea to Marshall. What if they contacted the man once known as Eric Justice, and inquired whether he was interested in seizing one final opportunity for glory within the wrestling ring?
Clearly, his impressive physique was on full display with each ‘BOOM’-accompanied flex, sparking ideas in the minds of viewers. However, selling this concept wouldn’t prove simple initially.
Marshall shared, “Persuading A.J. wasn’t easy, but when I noticed his posts gaining traction, an idea struck me – let’s encourage him to join fully and make a few TikTok videos together with everyone.
Though I wasn’t present at All Out, I believed that by subtly influencing him, I might be able to persuade him for an additional fight.
The day following All Out, I reached out to him with a suggestion. I delicately proposed the idea of stepping back into the ring once more, an opportunity that could present itself in front of his family’s eyes. However, after experiencing All Out, he initially showed little interest.
According to Marshall, Befumo had reservations about returning because he wasn’t impressed with the standard of wrestling at the PPV event.
He recently attended All Out and witnessed a match between Will Ospreay and Pac. It’s always fascinating to watch athletes display their abilities. Given he hasn’t stepped into the ring for two decades, I imagine it could feel a bit daunting initially.
QT Marshall vs Big Boom AJ
— dre. (@Sareeeism) November 11, 2024
After getting past that mental obstacle, it didn’t take much time before he convinced Befumo to participate in a tag team matchup initially, but they eventually switched to a one-on-one fight so he could handle most of the work. This decision seems especially fitting considering their past experiences together.
“As personal as it can get”
Marshall mentioned that he and AJ have been friends for twenty long years. Despite never having trained together and appearing to have no prior history of sparring, they now find themselves in an opportunity to wrap up a significant phase, which might strike one as amusing at first glance.
As a gamer hailing from New Jersey, it’d be an unparalleled thrill to bring this journey back home, surrounded by friends and family who have been part of our story. If you were to ask me, as a player, everyone dreams of that one moment under the limelight like this.
In a surprising turn of events, I find myself facing off against the vibrant, up-and-coming talent who inherited the mantle I once held on the independent circuit, years ago. Though it may not have unfolded exactly as I had imagined back then, my TikTok popularity, in a way, laid the groundwork for this unforeseen opportunity at vindication.
QT has been in there with the best of the best.It goes far deeper than just ‘TikTok famous ex-wrestler gets in the ring again.’ If he just wanted to lay some smackdown, Befumo could have done that anywhere at any time. But to have his return be against Marshall, it couldn’t be more personally fulfilling.
Where the best wrestle
As a gamer, let me tell you about the match itself. At first glance, Befumo’s online shenanigans might make you think that the pre-show match at Full Gear would be just a comical wrestling spectacle. But don’t be fooled! There were some exciting moments designed to get the crowd pumped for the main event that was to follow, after the laughs had subsided.
Actually, it’s not quite as you suggest. Unlike many other celebrities who might take a more casual approach to preparation, Befumo treats his craft with great reverence, putting in intense effort, much like an animal would in its quest for survival.
As a gamer, let me tell you, many folks might be expecting a light-hearted wrestling match with AJ, but honestly, he’s been training so seriously that it seems like there’s more at stake than I initially anticipated. From what I can see, he’s determined to surpass expectations and leave everyone stunned.
Residing in the vicinity of Fort Lauderdale, Befumo has been revisiting familiar paths and working alongside Coastal Championship Wrestling, an establishment overseen by WWE legend Gangrel. “He’s definitely putting in the effort,” Marshall confirmed.
Prior to the concept of a singles match being finalized, Marshall had extended an invitation to A.J. to visit his own professional wrestling training facility, the Nightmare Factory, which is jointly owned by current WWE champion Cody Rhodes. Ultimately, their goal was not just to generate a few viral moments, but to create a significant and substantial showcase for Befumo, something more meaningful and tangible than that.
He’s stepping into the arena for practice, starting from the basics again, ensuring all essential skills are sharp. The main challenge will be managing his pre-competition jitters; if he can’t calm himself physically, it’ll be hard to find mental peace. To overcome this, he needs plenty of repetitions until the process becomes as familiar as second nature.
If he maintains his usual vibrant spirit and delivers an impressive performance as always, the audience is sure to respond with equal enthusiasm.
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2024-11-13 09:19