Enzo Amore Explains Why AEW Passed on Him and Why He Doesn’t Care

Former WWE Superstar Enzo Amore—now going by “Real1”—isn’t holding back about his post-WWE career path.

During an appearance on the No-Contest Wrestling podcast with O’Shea Jackson Jr. and TJ Jefferson, the outspoken performer shared how he tried to make moves in the wrestling industry after his WWE exit, including a direct approach to AEW that went nowhere.

After being asked how his partnership with Westside Gunn and the Fourth Rope promotion began, Enzo explained that the opportunity fell into place organically. But before committing to building something new, he explored existing options like AEW. According to him, they simply weren’t interested. He made it clear the rejection didn’t phase him because he’s been through worse and doesn’t fear cancellation or rejection.

“AEW was something that I considered. I reached out. They had no interest,” he stated, brushing it off with confidence.

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Instead of chasing opportunities that didn’t materialize, Real1 leaned into creating his own lane. That led to Fourth Rope, a project that blends pro wrestling with hip-hop, fashion, and raw attitude. Backed by Westside Gunn and Smoke DZA, Real1 now opens every Fourth Rope show as the Flyweight Champion, taking pride in leading from the front and mentoring younger talent.

Later in the interview, Real1 circled back to AEW with a jab at their creative direction and lack of investment in his former tag team partner Big Bill, formerly Big Cass.

“You got Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks over in AEW… I hate that sht. Have fun with WCW, bro. I’ll wait for you guys to do something with Big Bill who’s seven feet tall and should be beating the sht out of all of you.”

Throughout the podcast, Real1 emphasized the importance of building something from scratch instead of waiting around for opportunities that may never come. He credits the indie scene and his personal setbacks for reshaping his mindset and bringing him to this next chapter in his wrestling journey.

Fourth Rope is now positioning itself as a real alternative, blending music, sports entertainment, and street culture. With talent like MVP, Zilla Fatu, and the Hardy Boys featured on recent cards, Real1 believes he’s filling a void the mainstream isn’t touching.

He didn’t shy away from expressing his belief that he can still hang with—or outshine—the top stars on TV today. According to him, all it would take is a live mic and an open segment.

“You put me out there to go tell my story about how Dusty Rhodes would look at me after I cut a promo and say, ‘Aniel, that was some John Wayne sht.’ Three bad. Dusty Rhodes, John Wayne, and they’re both dead. The other one’s sitting right here.”*

Real1’s confidence hasn’t gone anywhere—and he’s daring the industry to take notice. If the WWE or AEW ever decide to call, it sounds like Enzo won’t be the one chasing the opportunity. But if they don’t? He’s more than content building his empire elsewhere, one promo and one show at a time.

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