AEW Music Composer Mikey Rukus Defends Decision to Remain in AEW Amidst WWE Speculation

AEW has taken extra steps to make music a key part of its wrestling presentation, with Mikey Rukus leading several projects that go far beyond just creating entrance themes. Recently, Rukus made it clear that he has no plans to leave AEW for WWE, and after facing criticism for that stance, he has defended his decision.

WWE is planning to bring more mainstream artists into the production of theme music, similar to how they operated in the past. This doesn’t mean that Def Rebel will be phased out right away, but WWE is reportedly looking to expand the range of music contributors involved in their programming. There have been “rumblings” about the possibility that Def Rebel’s contract might not be renewed when it expires.

Mikey Rukus took to Twitter in light of this report and made it clear that he will be sticking with AEW and retire there, shutting down all speculation that he will end up leaving

”AEW is my home. I am very happy here and wish to remain here until I retire.”

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Mikey Rukus responded to criticism after stating he wasn’t interested in joining WWE following Def Rebel’s exit. He was confused by the negative reactions, explaining that people often make assumptions based on rumors.

Rukus shared his tough past, having six kids by age 26, working multiple jobs, and struggling to make ends meet before joining AEW in 2019. Leaving retail behind for music was scary, but AEW’s success has been fulfilling, especially as Dynamite hits its five-year mark.

Rukus clarified his comments weren’t about WWE and praised Def Rebel for their hard work. Despite the criticism, Rukus remains proud of his AEW role and encouraged fans to enjoy wrestling.

”I guess I shouldn’t be surprised by some of the weirdness in the replies. Allow me to elaborate before I call it a night because as per usual, some folks endless desire to try and connect the dots on some dirt sheet shit you’ve read throughout the course of the day causes you to abandon logic. Today, I spent the day working on new music. In between spending time with my grandson who is 18 months old (1 of 8). This week, I’ve been reinvigorated with new inspiration. This has been a good week creatively, on the same side it’s been an emotional one because of some personal things that have taken place. When I tell you I came from nothing, it’s exactly what I mean. I had my first child when I was 19. I had 6 by the time I was 26.

I can remember days of loading trash bags full of clothes and riding my 10 speed to the laundromat to wash/fold clothes and read my bible. I had hopes and dreams of doing something more with my life rather than just being a grocery store stocker manager. At one point in my life, I was stocking grocery shelves at a Kroger at 4am, leaving there at 10 to go stock shelves at a Family Dollar until 3, then running 3 paper routes in the afternoon. I remember after everyone would go to sleep at night I would go and sit in my car and just cry. I felt like a complete failure and a father and a provider. And that feeling would stay with me for years while I pressed on. I finally got into management positions where I would continue for 20 years. But I built up my music stuff on the side because I still wasn’t making enough to survive. In 2019, when I joined AEW, I was able to walk away from all of that, cleanly. I was terrified, because retail was literally all I knew aside from freelancing music. We are coming up on 5 years of Dynamite and I can still remember the moment we went live for the first time. So yes, I’ve been in my feels this week, and instead of just dropping the “I love my job” tweet, I went a little further. Yes, AEW is my home, and I wish to be here until I retire. I realize that’s not the “cool” thing to say for whatever reasons you might think.

I realize everyone’s experience is different. But for me, I love watching my coworkers get some shine. I love that they can inspire me and that I can provide music context for them. It wasn’t until about an hour ago that I saw something about WWE and def Rebel being the topic of the day. Same thing happened a few weeks ago on some gif tweets, so I realize now that it’s partly my fault for being vague. I’ll say this- shout out to def Rebel. None of you know what this gig entails. To be able to do this week to week when live tv is at hand is not what you all think it is. All of your theories are wrong. This is not a gig where you get 8 months to write and record 8-10 songs to drop an album. You have to be on, all the time, every day. But that’s a different convo for a different day. My last word- this is all love. Your insults and negativity will not change my views. And if I saw any of you in real life, I’d still shake your hand. There is no THERE there from me, so please stop trying to make it that. I’m simply showing solidarity to a team that took a chance on me. There have been ups and downs of course. But I’m here. And I’m always ready to work. Enjoy your time while you’re here. Enjoy the feeling… enjoy the moments… enjoy wrestling”.

~Rukus”

Mikey Rukus has clearly proven he is a very important part of the AEW family and his decision to stick with the company is valid for many reasons. Regardless, we’ll continue to do his job in AEW no matter what and that’s all that matters.

What’s your view on what Mikey Rukus had to say about him staying in AEW despite speculation about him joining WWE? Sound off in the comments section below!