Nick Wayne of AEW has been deeply involved in professional wrestling from a young age, influenced by his father, Buddy Wayne, who was both a wrestler and a trainer until his passing in 2017. Wayne shared, "I met him when I was nine. He and one of their students were inseparable, always eager to get into the ring whenever Buddy opened the door. I ended up seeing Derby almost daily."
Derby took Wayne under his wing, introducing him to skate parks, wrestling events, and just spending time around town, which helped them build a strong connection. This bond was reflected in Wayne’s early storylines. Signed to AEW at 18, Wayne is about to turn 20, coinciding with AEW events.
The former TNT Champion Derby recently undertook an impressive climb up Mount Everest and is anticipated to return to AEW soon, though no official statement has been released. Wayne remarked, "The level of training and preparation required is incredible. It’s strange that climbing this mountain takes two months."
Although Derby peaked in mid-May, he still faces a recovery journey. While his return is possible, wrestlers may need additional time before they can compete. Wayne’s upcoming matches are still being scheduled, but reports hint at Christian Cage playing a pivotal role in developing storylines with younger talent before progressing.
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Fan Take: This update is crucial for AEW fans as it highlights the transition of legacy and mentorship within the company, with Nick Wayne carrying forward his father’s wrestling heritage. It also signals exciting future storylines bridging experienced talents like Christian Cage with promising newcomers, which could revitalize and deepen AEW’s roster dynamics.