AEW commentator and wrestling legend Taz didn’t hold back when responding to fan backlash over Big Boom A.J., the viral star from The Costco Guys, competing on the Full Gear Buy-In show. As chatter exploded online about the controversial decision, Taz jumped onto social media to set the record straight—and he didn’t mince words.
“It still amazes me…some hardcore fans are still confused or bitching & crying moaning that the Costco guy has a match,” Taz tweeted ahead of the Full Gear pay-per-view. “Wake up… This guy has a huge reach which basically means he has a massive following of millions. Fresh eyes folks!!! It’s all about the casuals… it’s smart business. It’s not about ‘bangers.’”
Taz’s fiery remarks didn’t stop there. Responding to fans questioning the logic of A.J.’s inclusion, he doubled down on AEW’s strategy, emphasizing the importance of appealing to casual viewers. “There’s always complaints… People complain nonstop on here… BECAUSE THEY CAN, IT’S EASY,” he said. “Complaining about everything, passing judgement on everyone. It’s exhausting and that’s why people are leaving this app in droves. Toxic.”
But not everyone bought into the idea. One fan sarcastically asked, “So when the reach he has doesn’t affect AEW, what will the excuse be then?”
Taz, never one to shy away from debate, coolly replied, “I’m not making an excuse at all. I’m explaining why this is happening… Not anyone told me that… Just my observation & opinion… which my opinion has been built over a lot of years… I think that’s called an educated opinion.”
Even fellow wrestling veteran Bully Ray chimed in to support Taz’s stance, writing, “Bro…they’re AEW trolls and diehards who think they know it all … when in reality they know nothing at all. Save your sanity. Bury, block, and move on.”
For AEW, Big Boom A.J.’s massive online presence is a no-brainer in bringing fresh eyes to the product. While hardcore fans may be skeptical, the move underscores AEW’s commitment to expanding its reach and tapping into the mainstream audience. Whether it pays off remains to be seen, but Taz’s passionate defense certainly adds fire to the debate.
What’s your take on Big Boom A.J.’s AEW debut? Is this a smart move to grow AEW’s audience, or should the focus stay on wrestling purists? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.