A TNA star has clapped back at critics questioning the inclusion of YouTubers in pro wrestling.
TNA Wrestling presented its biggest show of the year, Bound For Glory, from Lowell, MA, this past Sunday night. The card featured an Intergender Call Your Shot Gauntlet match for a future world title opportunity. Participants included AJ Francis, Dani Luna, Mara Sadè, and YouTuber-turned-pro wrestler BDE.
BDE made a huge impression in his TNA debut match. He evaded an early elimination at the hands of Francis, performed a springboard, avoided getting chokeslammed by the big man, and dropped him with a cutter. BDE then joined forces with The Rascalz to deliver a superfecta of superkicks to AJ, eliminating him in the process.
Despite BDE’s impressive performance, some fans online criticized him for pursuing pro wrestling while being a YouTuber. The backlash prompted a stern response from AJ Francis, who pointed out the massive social media engagement that his spot with BDE generated for TNA.
“WhY dO YOu wOrK WiTh sO mAnY YouTuBErs?” The most watched videos on @ThisIsTNA IG from yesterday that DONT include Jeff Hardy, include myself & @itsbrandonde,” Francis wrote.
The Gauntlet match was co-won by Nic Nemeth and Frankie Kazarian. Both men unsuccessfully attempted to cash in their contracts following the TNA World Championship main event between Trick Williams and Mike Santana. Fans can catch up on everything that went down at TNA Bound For Glory here.
Also read: Injured Star Appears At TNA Bound For Glory
