Eddie Kingston's First Comments as ROH Champion - Dedicates Win to Late Wrestler

New ROH World Champion Eddie Kingston has dedicated his victory to the late John Jairo Bedoya Jr., better known to wrestling fans as Xavier. 

Kingston won the title at last night's AEW 'Grand Slam' Dynamite, dethroning Claudio Castagnoli. The highly personal match also saw Kingston NJPW Strong Openweight Championship on the line. 

Kingston Speaks

Speaking backstage after the match, Kingston reflected on his match with Castagnoli, someone he has held a grudge against for years. While this grudge isn't gone, Kingston believed it was right to show the Swiss wrestler respect after the match.

"I'm in pain, that stage hurts, Claudio hurts every time he hits you. I don't like him as a human being, but I shook his hand because let's be honest he was a great Ring of Honor champion. And I've always said he's a great wrestler, I just don't like him as a person and that's not going to change. But I can definitely show him that I've grown. I've grown up. Back in the day I wouldn't have shook his hand, I would've spit in his face and then I would have gloated. But bro I grew up man. I'll give him his due and his respect."

Kingston also spoke about winning the title, and dedicated the match to Xavier, the second-ever ROH Champion, who died in August 2020. 

"I'm proud, I'm happy, when I get back to the hotel I'm not going to be proud and happy because now I know I've got to defend this championship [holds up the ROH World Title] ad this championship [holds up the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship.] That's going to be hard but I like it. Without struggle there is no progress, yeah? You know what I mean? I feel, I feel too weird if there is no struggle.

"But this [win] is dedicated to Xavier, the second-ever Ring of Honor World Champion. Rest in peace bud. Thank you for everything you've done for this business. Thank you for being good to me in the locker room. But this one's for you dog. This one's for you because people should remember who you are man. X marks the spot baby. Love you X. Rest in peace man. But I'm good, I'm going to go see my parents now. We good baby. New York in this mother. Ya heard?"