Karl Anderson Snubs AEW While Comparing WrestleMania and Wrestle Kingdom

Karl Anderson is never one to shy away from speaking his mind, and on the latest episode of Talk N’ Shop, he didn’t hold back when comparing major wrestling events. According to Anderson, while many fans debate the prestige of wrestling’s biggest stages, nothing comes close to the grandeur of WrestleMania.

“Is anything comparable to WrestleMania? I have to say no. Nothing compares to WrestleMania,” Anderson declared. However, he did offer a nod to Wrestle Kingdom, calling it “the biggest thing you’re gonna see [that’s] comparable to WrestleMania, especially in Japan.”

The veteran wrestler elaborated on his perspective, reflecting on his past experiences competing at Wrestle Kingdom in the iconic Tokyo Dome. “Each year around Christmas, I start getting that same feeling of I have to get on my flight on January the first,” he said. “Because I would usually fly out January 1. I’d land in Japan January 2, January 3 we do the big Wrestle Kingdom press conference, which always felt very big, especially before I came to WWE. It was massive.”

But Anderson didn’t mince words when discussing how WrestleMania still stands in a league of its own. “Now that I’ve done WWE, everything else is still big, don’t get me wrong. I’m just saying, there’s nothing like WrestleMania, not even comparable. But there’s nothing like walking out at the Tokyo Dome and feeling that aura and being able to walk down that big aisle.”

Interestingly, Anderson made no mention of AEW or any of its marquee events like All In or Double or Nothing, leaving fans to speculate if this was a deliberate omission or an oversight. Either way, it’s clear Anderson has his sights firmly set on WrestleMania as the pinnacle of wrestling, with Wrestle Kingdom standing as its only close competitor in his eyes.

Anderson last competed on September 24, 2024, teaming up with Luke Gallows in a tag match against Hank Walker and Tank Ledger. While his in-ring appearances have slowed down, his bold takes remain a constant.