Anthony Ogogo Reveals Near-Misses with AEW’s Elite: Inner Circle and Blackpool Combat Club
Former Olympic boxing medalist and professional fighter Anthony Ogogo has disclosed that he was on the cusp of joining two of All Elite Wrestling’s most prominent factions: Chris Jericho’s Inner Circle and the Blackpool Combat Club. The revelation, made during a recent interview, sheds light on the intricate planning and shifting dynamics within the burgeoning promotion.
Speaking with ITR Wrestling, Ogogo detailed how Tony Khan initially envisioned him as a key component of the Inner Circle, specifically as Jericho’s enforcer. Khan reportedly saw a mentorship opportunity, believing Jericho could guide Ogogo’s transition into professional wrestling. However, Jericho ultimately opted for Jake Hager, leveraging their established history from their time in WWE. “With Jericho, I was supposed to be Jericho’s bodyguard, part of his Inner Circle group. That was supposed to be me,” Ogogo explained. “I think Tony Khan’s idea was for me to work with Jericho and learn from Jericho.”
Ogogo praised Jericho’s influence, describing him as a “Learning Tree” for aspiring wrestlers. “Especially in the early years, he was the learning tree and I would always ask questions and he’d teach me stuff. He’d always watch my matches and give me critique and say ‘Do this, don’t do that.’ He’s the man who knows how to get over so Jericho is someone I definitely learned a lot from,” he added.
From Boxing Ring to Squared Circle: Ogogo’s AEW Journey
Ogogo officially debuted in AEW in 2021, having been trained by a trio of wrestling veterans: Cody Rhodes, QT Marshall, and Dustin Rhodes. His transition wasn’t without its challenges, but he quickly demonstrated a willingness to learn and adapt to the demands of professional wrestling. But his path wasn’t limited to the Inner Circle.
Simultaneously, Ogogo found himself working with Bryan Danielson and William Regal, undergoing training intended to prepare him for a role within the Blackpool Combat Club. “At that point, I was being groomed to join the Blackpool Combat Club before it became the Blackpool Combat Club and it never really materialized. So, I trained all this time with Danielson and Regal and put in all those hard work in to learn,” Ogogo stated.
The Influence of Danielson and Regal
Ogogo spoke highly of both Danielson and Regal, emphasizing the distinct skills each brought to his development. Danielson imparted knowledge on how to connect with the audience and achieve star power. “He (Danielson) taught me so much, again, not just wrestling stuff, but how to get over. He got this thing [the ‘Yes’ chants] over. And when someone does a move, or a quote, and it transcends outside of wrestling, that guy knows what he’s talking about.”
Regal, on the other hand, focused on grounding Ogogo in the fundamentals of classic British wrestling. “Regal taught me this old school British wrestling big guy, tough styles. Just because you do the impact stuff doesn’t mean you can’t learn the intricate stuff. It just thus far hasn’t been called to use, doesn’t make sense for me to be using it.”
Ogogo recently returned to action at ROH TV tapings in Jacksonville, Florida, marking his first match since November and his first appearance in a Khan-owned promotion since August 2024. This return raises questions about his future direction within the broader landscape of AEW and Ring of Honor.
What role do you think Ogogo will ultimately play in AEW or ROH? And could we see him finally align with either the Blackpool Combat Club or a similar faction?
The Evolution of AEW’s Factions
The Blackpool Combat Club, formed in 2022 with Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta, Bryan Danielson, and Claudio Castagnoli, quickly established itself as a dominant force in AEW. Managed by William Regal, the group’s ruthless tactics and technical prowess made them a compelling presence. However, Regal’s departure in 2023 to return to WWE created a void in leadership and ultimately contributed to the group’s evolution into the Death Riders following a storyline involving Danielson and Moxley at the 2024 All Out event.
The Inner Circle, led by Chris Jericho, similarly underwent transformations throughout its existence. Initially a stable of established stars, the group’s dynamics shifted as members pursued individual ambitions and new alliances formed. The story of Ogogo’s near inclusion highlights the constant flux and strategic maneuvering that characterize the world of professional wrestling.
The ability of AEW to create and evolve these factions is a testament to Tony Khan’s vision and the talent within the roster. It also demonstrates the importance of long-term storytelling and the willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. Wrestling Inc. provides a comprehensive history of AEW factions, showcasing the impact these groups have had on the promotion’s success.
Furthermore, the influence of veteran performers like Jericho and Regal cannot be overstated. Their experience and understanding of the industry are invaluable assets, and their mentorship plays a crucial role in developing the next generation of stars. The Sportster highlights the importance of mentorship in professional wrestling, emphasizing the lasting impact that experienced performers can have on their protégés.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anthony Ogogo and AEW
- Q: Was Anthony Ogogo ever officially a member of the Inner Circle?
A: No, despite being considered for the role of Chris Jericho’s bodyguard, Ogogo was ultimately not added to the Inner Circle. Jake Hager filled the position instead.
- Q: What kind of training did Anthony Ogogo receive for the Blackpool Combat Club?
A: Ogogo trained extensively with Bryan Danielson and William Regal, focusing on both technical wrestling skills and the psychology of captivating an audience.
- Q: Why didn’t Anthony Ogogo join the Blackpool Combat Club?
A: The opportunity never fully materialized, and the Blackpool Combat Club evolved before Ogogo could officially become a member.
- Q: What is William Regal’s current role in professional wrestling?
A: William Regal returned to WWE in a backstage role in 2023, leaving his managerial position with the Blackpool Combat Club in AEW.
- Q: What has Anthony Ogogo been doing since his last AEW appearance?
A: Ogogo recently competed at ROH TV tapings in Jacksonville, Florida, marking his return to action after a period of inactivity.
- Q: How important is mentorship in professional wrestling, as highlighted by Ogogo’s experiences?
A: Mentorship is crucial, providing aspiring wrestlers with guidance, critique, and insights into the nuances of the industry, as demonstrated by Ogogo’s praise for Jericho, Danielson, and Regal.
Share this article with fellow wrestling fans and join the discussion! What are your predictions for Anthony Ogogo’s future in AEW or ROH?
Disclaimer: This article provides news and analysis of professional wrestling events. It is not intended to provide financial, medical, or legal advice.
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