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Priscilla Kelly recently opened up about a significant opportunity she turned down in AEW.
In a podcast discussion on *Rule Breaker* with Saraya, Kelly recounted her early experiences with AEW, her marriage to Derby Allin, and choices that could have drastically shifted her career trajectory. She reflected on her initial performances while trying to establish herself within the organization.
“It was pretty surreal. What did I even do? I took part in the casino battle royal, which didn’t last long, but I also performed on an episode of the Jericho Cruise.”
While married to Derby Allin, she was frequently present during AEW’s Jacksonville shows amidst the pandemic.
“Being married to Derby made it straightforward. I could easily hop in the car with him and go to the shows they were producing in Jacksonville. It felt really strange.”
Then came the proposal: debut as Derby Allin’s on-screen partner. However, Kelly wasn’t interested in that approach.
“That was a suggestion, but I didn’t want to be known only as someone’s wife. The idea of being introduced on TV as ‘Derby Allin’s Wife’ was daunting to me. I didn’t want that to define who I was.”
She feared that, despite her respect for her husband, she would be overshadowed by him.
“It wasn’t that he was trying to overshadow me, but I wanted my own identity. I didn’t want to enter the ring only to hear the crowd chant for him. That was my greatest worry.”
Though she realized this stance might limit her future in AEW, Kelly remained firm in her decision.
“Maybe it cost me an opportunity, but I stood my ground. I didn’t want to be defined as someone else’s sidekick.”
By rejecting that role in AEW, Priscilla Kelly chose to forge her own path rather than exist in someone else’s shadow. Regardless of the short-term consequences, this decision reinforced her identity on her own terms.
Credit: Ringside News if using this content.
Fan Take: This news highlights the importance of individuality in wrestling, as stars like Priscilla Kelly strive to define themselves outside of their partners’ legacies. Her choice reflects a growing trend in the industry where wrestlers prioritize personal branding, which could lead to richer storylines and more diverse character development in AEW.
