Darby Allin Clarifies His “Superstar is Stupid” Statement Amid Backlash

AEW’s Darby Allin recently sparked conversation when he appeared on Meal & A Match and called the term “superstar” a “stupid term.”

Known for his down-to-earth persona, Allin’s comment was aimed at distancing himself from the larger-than-life labels often attached to wrestlers, particularly in WWE, which refers to its talent as “superstars.”

In a follow-up interview on The Ethan, Lou & Large Dave Show, Allin provided further context to his statement, emphasizing that his life and values extend far beyond wrestling.

“The thing is with me and wrestling, I’m a big wrestling fan, don’t get me wrong, but my life does not begin and end with wrestling. I have so many outside hobbies and goals that I want to achieve in life,” he shared.

Allin explained that the ongoing comparisons between AEW and WWE don’t concern him, adding, “I don’t even have a TV at my house. I think it promotes laziness.”

Allin’s adventurous lifestyle speaks to his philosophy—whether he’s “jumping four wheels, jumping cars, or blowing things out of the backyard,” he prefers living on his own terms. This approach underscores his view of the “superstar” label. “When you think of, ‘Hey, I’m a superstar,’ you’re pretty much telling your fans that you’re better than them and you’re way above them,” Allin explained. Instead, he wants his fans to see him as one of them: someone who dared to chase his dreams and succeeded.

His goal is to inspire people to believe in themselves and recognize their own potential. “I feel like there is a way to inspire people and be like, ‘I’m just like you, but if you believe in yourself you can make it too,’” he said. Allin spoke passionately about how society often conditions people to idolize figures on a screen while underestimating their own worth and capabilities. Using an unexpected analogy, he remarked, “All hail Tom Cruise. It’s a really random analogy. Just have some self-respect. You can do something with your life too. We’re all born on this earth and have the same path.”

Challenging the idea that certain people are inherently more deserving of success, Allin posed the question, “Why don’t you deserve that?” He believes a lack of self-confidence is what holds many back from pursuing their dreams. By rejecting the “superstar” label, Allin aims to bridge the gap between performer and audience, reinforcing that anyone can achieve greatness.