Daniel Garcia: Westside Gunn Performing Me To The Ring Felt Like The Most Buffalo Thing Ever
Daniel Garcia and Westside Gunn discuss Gunn’s live performance on the September 7 episode of AEW Dynamite from Buffalo.
Last week’s episode of AEW Dynamite was an unforgettable night for Danial Garcia, as he won the ROH Pure Championship. The same night, he had another dream come true when Westside Gunn did a live performance for him ahead of the bout.
Gunn, the popular rapper and co-founder of independent hip-hop label Griselda Records, performed Garcia to the ring ahead of his match against Wheeler Yuta on the September 7 episode of AEW Dynamite from Buffalo.
In an interview with Pitchfork, two two Buffalo natives commented on the memorable occasion, with the latter expressing his utter excitement.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been this high. Like I’m a stoner and I’ve never even been that high. Bro I’m still high. I can’t believe it still,” Garcia said.
Garcia noted that the collaboration was fitting for Wednesday’s show. He also described Buffalo’s passionate fans.
“It definitely felt like the most Buffalo thing ever. Buffalo is a city where everyone takes pride in everything,” Garcia said. “Buffalo could have the world’s fastest knitter, and we would ride for them like they were the world heavyweight champion of MMA,” Garcia said.
The interaction was far from random, as Gunn called Garcia a friend and went on to praise his talent.
“Danny, man, that’s a good friend of mine, man. He’s a Buffalo kid, and he’s actually the best. He’s already being challenged by the best and can only go up from here. I think he’s gonna be a world champion soon. I’m all for DG, man, I’m team DG,” Gunn said.
The new ROH Pure Champion also made it clear that he had been dreaming of having Gunn perform him to the ring.
“Since I became a wrestler, I always thought to myself if I ever do a big show in Buffalo, I want Westside Gunn to play me out,” Garcia said.
Likewise, Gunn emphasized that the opportunity meant a lot to him.
“I’ve been there since day one and that was always a dream of mine—just being a part of it. And it’s all about timing. I could’ve had the opportunity sooner, who knows, but it happening in Buffalo for Danny and him winning the belt? That’s the story. It doesn’t get any better than that,” Gunn said.
Wednesday night was a breakout night for Garcia, and he stated that he was glad he was able to put Gunn in the spotlight as well.
“I don’t feel like the wrestling business owes anybody anything, but Gunn has the power to do so much for the culture of pro wrestling,” he said. “He’s probably introduced wrestling to a lot of different people and made people view wrestling in a different light. He’s never asked for a free ticket—he just buys tickets and sits in the front row. Then a lot of rappers who maybe don’t like wrestling at all are getting opportunities and they aren’t even as popular as him. It’s been time for him to get a little shine, so I’m glad we were able to put that shine on him and give him that moment,” Garcia said.
Gunn recently helped Danhausen become Blinghausen. More information is available here.