TNA Wrestling’s AJ Francis is never short on confidence, and in a bold new interview, he took that confidence to another level—claiming full credit for the rise of several major wrestling stars, including Joe Hendry, Trick Williams, Casey Navarro, and Rich Swann.
Speaking with Malcolm on the “Muscle Memory” YouTube channel, Francis declared that he’s the true reason behind the surging careers of those around him, confidently calling himself the “greatest star of this generation.”
“When we go back in the annals of time, and we look at all the people that I’ve crossed paths with and how their career has changed after they cross paths with me, we’ll be able to discuss who really is the greatest star of this generation, which is myself,” Francis stated.
He began his list with Casey Navarro, his First Class stablemate and former TNA Digital Media Champion.
“Y’all wasn’t talking about Casey Navarro,” Francis said. “Casey is not a better talent than he was a year ago. He was just as good last year. The difference is he got to be with me, so he got to highlight how good he is.”
He then turned to Rich Swann, claiming he was revitalized by joining Francis’ faction:
“You guys had wrote Rich Swann off completely. Yeah, until he joined First Class.”
Perhaps his boldest statements were reserved for Joe Hendry and Trick Williams.
“Nobody was downloading Joe Hendry’s music until he started wrestling AJ Francis.”
Regarding Trick Williams, Francis claimed responsibility for sparking the first-ever negative fan reaction the TNA World Champion received.
“I don’t remember any other time Trick left the stage to a chorus of boos like he did at the end of the First Class Penthouse. You got heel Trick because you put him with First Class… people hate me.”
Francis closed by dismissing new fans who are only now recognizing his talent:
“I don’t care about them people that like me now. I ain’t changed anything. If you just now realizing that I’m the man, then you have bad taste.”
