After becoming one of the top names on the independent scene, Lee Moriarty was signed by AEW following a match against Daniel Garcia during the September 9 taping of AEW Dark: Elevation.
Moriarty was handed a contract by Tony Khan in front of the live crowd after the match. The news was made official with the All Elite graphic on October 15.
Speaking to Mike Johnson at PWInsider, Moriarty reflected on being given a contract by Tony Khan.
"It's very unreal because you dream about that moment, I've been wanting to get into professional wrestling since I was 12 years old; it's all I focused on in middle school, high school, and when I went to college. When you finally achieve that goal, especially on this level, and this is my living, I don't consider it a job. It's my career and what I want to do for the rest of my life. It's an unreal moment. For it to happen the way that it did, with me having my third match on Elevation against my contemporary Daniel Garcia...walking back through the curtain, being called back out, and offered a contract, that's special and a feeling that will never go away. I'm always smiling when I think about that moment," he said.
Moriarty has been a staple on AEW television since the signing, taking on the likes of Bobby Fish and teaming with Matt Sydal.
Asked who has helped him most backstage in AEW, Moriarty replied, "The good thing and very cool thing is how many different perspectives there are to learn from, not just the agents but the other talent there. The agents, I've been able to work with so many in the few matches I've had, the two I've worked with multiple times have been Sonjay Dutt and Dean Malenko. It's very interesting to see how differently they coach their match or Jerry Lynn or QT Marshall. It's very fun. Then I'll get advice from guys like Eddie Kingston. I've talked to Ricky Starks a bit about learning how to be a professional wrestler on a national television stage compared to the independent stage. There are all these little things that I'm still learning and growing with. I'm growing on a national stage in a sink or swim environment. So far, I've been swimming because of the help from coaches and other talents in the locker room."
Moriarty is set for the biggest match of his career on Wednesday's AEW Dynamite when he faces CM Punk.
Fightful will have live coverage of AEW Dynamite beginning at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
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