Exclusive: Kip Sabian Says Wins And Losses Mattering Drew Him To AEW

Kip Sabian has had plenty of impressive performances, but he had his breakout performance in the United States at AEW Double or Nothing

Ahead of the May spectacular, not many stateside had seen Sabian wrestle or heard him talk. When speaking with Fightful following the event, Sabian discussed his impressive showing at both the pre-show scrum where his magnetic charisma shined through, as well as the event itself.

“It comes naturally, I guess. I love wrestling, I’m a wrestling fan, and I love talking wrestling.I’ve done a lot of indies over the last ten years or so. I’ve done a few big shows, but (Double or Nothing) was surreal. When I walked in to that arena and looked around, it was a moment. As soon as that music hit and I came out, it was any other show, I was ready to go. When I got the win, that’s when the reaction came out. That was 100 percent legit. When I was finished, I got to sit with Sammy and watch the show and it was off the chain,” said Sabian.

Ahead of the match, Sabian’s opponent Sammy Guevara implied that Kip was only on the show to draw buys from the UK. If that was the case, Sabian at least succeeded with those that he was in contact with directly following the event. 

“A lot of people have messaged me saying they saw the Buy In (pre-show) on ITV4, and they went over to the ITV Box Office and bought Double or Nothing. That was my role on the car, that was my job, Sammy’s job, the battle royal’s job, and everyone delivered. I’ve not had one negative tweet, Instagram, social media, (it’s) the best, man,” Sabian told us. “I knew we were on the Buy In. It wasn’t really discussed with me what order. As soon as they said we were closing that before we go — that’s extra pressure. When you’re under pressure, that’s when you thrived, and I think we all delivered.”

It’s no secret that All Elite Wrestling is looking for a fresh approach to pro wrestling that fans maybe haven’t seen on a grand stage in a while. The sports-centric approach wasn’t anything revolutionary to Sabian, but it was something that drew him to the promotion.

When pressed on what motivated him to sign with AEW, Sabian told us the importance of wins and losses was a big factor.

“As soon as they said wins and losses would matter, I was like ‘sweet.” I’m tired of it not mattering. What’s the point? What’s the point of having a wrestling match and one person loses, and the next week they come out and it doesn’t mean anything? The point is winning the match. For me, winning at Double or Nothing, first ever AEW singles match and singles match winner — THIS GUY,” said Sabian.

You can see our full conversation with Kip Sabian above. He takes on Adam “Hangman” Page at this weekend’s AEW Fight For The Fallen event.