Young Bucks talk Anarchy in the Arena, Tony Khan attack, custom Sneaker Belts

Young Bucks talk Anarchy in the Arena, Tony Khan attack, custom Sneaker Belts

The Young Bucks (Nicholas and Matthew Jackson) shared their thoughts on various topics during an interview with Justin Fried. They discussed the similarities between niche communities such as pro wrestling, comic books, and sneaker culture. They also talked about their experiences with performing unique wrestling spots, such as the TK Driver on Tony Khan and the upside-down thumbtack-laced superkicks on Darby Allin. In addition, they mentioned their dream tag team match in AEW, which would be against Christian Cage and Adam Copeland.


The Jackson brothers, Matt and Nick, also known as the Young Bucks, are poised to be remembered as among the most exceptional tag teams in the annals of professional wrestling. Their influence, however, transcends the boundaries of the wrestling ring itself.

The present champions of the AEW World Tag Team title are seamlessly merging the realms of professional wrestling and sneaker collecting communities – two seemingly disparate spheres, but with intriguing connections to discover.

The Young Bucks view wrestling as something beyond just a game; it’s a dynamic, breathing expression of art. Their sneakers serve as the finishing touches, adding character and style to this artistic performance, or perhaps it’s simply their way of expressing individuality through footwear.

Recently, The Young Bucks unveiled their exclusive Sneaker Belts, an innovative footwear addition adorned with custom black leather embossing, flexible adjustable straps, and elegant raised brass accents, reminiscent of AEW’s renowned championship belts.

The Young Bucks on Sneaker Belts and their introduction to sneaker culture

Justin Fried: “How did you guys come up with the idea for Sneaker Belts?”

Nicholas Jackson: “How about enhancing your footwear style? With the innovative addition of a championship belt worn around the ankle. Admit it, not everyone can make it to the championship level, but this new accessory brings that touch of excellence within reach.”

Justin Fried: “What sparked your interest and passion for sneakers in the first place? What was it that attracted you to this pastime or culture?”

From a young age, Nicholas Jackson was captivated by Michael Jordan’s iconic shoes as he soared through the basketball court for spectacular slam dunks. The sleek and shimmering Jordan 11s were his obsession, but due to financial limitations, he could never afford them. Once he had saved up some money, however, he eagerly purchased every available variation of the coveted Jordan 11 model.

As a massive NBA fan growing up in the ’90s, I longed for the latest trendy sneakers just like every other kid my age. Unfortunately, our family couldn’t afford them, so I had to make do with the coolest pairs I could find at Payless or keep my fingers crossed that I’d stumble upon a bargain at a discount department store like Ross.

The Young Bucks on sneakerhead culture infultrating wrestling

Justin Fried: “For me, sneakerhead culture is all about the passion and community surrounding limited-edition sneakers. It’s not just about having a cool pair of shoes; it’s about the stories behind each design, the memories attached to certain releases, and the connections made with other collectors. It’s like being part of an exclusive club where everyone shares this deep appreciation for creativity and craftsmanship in footwear. If you’re not into sneakers yet, give it a chance – you might be surprised by how captivating the journey can be.”

Nicholas Jackson: “I find it enjoyable. To me, it’s akin to someone who passionately gathers memorabilia or similar items. The thrill comes when I obtain a rare sneaker that completes my collection, and the search for specific shoes is an exciting adventure, especially when I discover one in its natural habitat.”

Matthew Jackson: A chic and comfortable sneaker enhances any ensemble. Be it casual attire, gym clothes, or even formal wear, what you wear on your feet completes the look. And a top-notch sneaker never goes out of style. You could store them away for decades, dust them off, and wear them to the office, and no one would raise an eyebrow. In fact, any attention drawn would likely be positive. Think about it: most other items don’t offer this flexibility. My almost teenage daughter might tease me for wearing outdated ankle socks (apparently not in vogue anymore?), but she will admire the “08 Dunks” I wear with those same-aged socks. For sneaker enthusiasts like us, collecting sneakers is akin to amassing other collectibles: comic books, toys, records, or timepieces. Many of us are driven by completionism – not necessarily loving every item we possess but striving for the complete set. I must confess, I adore each and every sneaker in my collection and wear them with pride, regardless of their cost or rarity. The feeling these sneakers evoke when I don them is what truly matters. Perhaps youngsters will be inspired by our enthusiasm as we proudly showcase our new acquisitions, believing they too can aspire to such passions one day.

Justin Fried: “Is it possible to identify any striking resemblances between the realms of wrestling and sneaker culture? How does each influence the other, creating a compelling intersection of interest?”

Nicholas Jackson: “The relationship between wrestling and sneaker culture has long been interconnected. Numerous wrestlers are avid sneaker collectors. It’s fascinating to reflect on this connection now, as we have our own Reebok pumps, just like John Cena used to wear. Shane McMahon always showcased stylish footwear on TV. Bret Hart’s boots bore a striking resemblance to the Jordan 11 Concords, so they’ve been a significant part of the scene.”

Matthew Jackson: “The worlds of pro wrestling, comic books, and sneaker collecting share a common thread. They each have devoted fan bases who are deeply invested in their respective topics. Consequently, there’s often overlap in interests. I’ve encountered numerous individuals who admire our work or appreciate my footwear while attending comic book conventions. At Disneyland, I frequently receive compliments on my sneakers from fellow enthusiasts as they go by. We all have our quirks. Not all sneakers come with exorbitant price tags or require extensive financial commitment to acquire. Perhaps that’s why these communities have gained so much popularity. They cater to a wide audience.”

The Young Bucks on hitting Tony Khan with the ‘TK Driver’

As a gamer, I can recall that around two months ago during a heated moment on Dynamite, things took an unexpected turn when my character found ourselves piling driving another player, Tony Khan. The aftermath of that angle was quite surreal as I watched Tony appear in public wearing a neck brace during the NFL Draft. So, I’d love to share some insights into how we both felt about that moment and what Tony’s reaction was to the idea behind it.

Nicholas Jackson: “Myself and Matthew have long contemplated gifting Tony a Tony Khan Driver since renaming the move. From what I’ve gathered, Tony appears unaware of this impending development as I believe he has not experienced being piledriven within a wrestling ring before.”

Matthew Jackson expressed that the experience was substantial and distinctive, deviating from the regular AEW Dynamite schedule. His curiosity often draws him towards unconventional, daring concepts. Falling into a routine and playing it safe can be tempting, but he enjoys pushing boundaries. Not every venture will succeed, but he wants to accumulate a collection of memorable experiences when reflecting on his career in the future. That specific event is one he’ll never forget.

The Young Bucks on the infamous Darby Allin spot in the 2024 Anarchy in the Arena match

“I’m curious about the legendary Anarchy in the Arena match at Double or Nothing this year between you two, specifically the breathtaking moment when you executed upside-down thumbtack-laced superkicks onto Darby Allin. That was undeniably one of the wildest wrestling moves I’ve ever witnessed. Who came up with that idea? Was it a suggestion from Darby? And another question, is there any way to prepare for something like that beforehand?”

I was in awe as Matthew executed the double superkick while Darby clung upside down. The force behind those kicks was astounding, making it one of the most impactful moves we’ve witnessed. Little did we know that he had a shard of thumbtack embedded in his mouth when we visited the doctor afterwards.

Matthew Jackson pondered, “Which brief Instagram video showcasing our new Reebok Pumps sneakers would leave the greatest impact?” His thoughts wandered to a hypothetical scenario: If he came across a reel on his feed depicting a man suspended upside down in a wrestling ring, with someone then kicking him in the face with thumbtack-studded sneakers, he’d be compelled to share it with his friends. The following day, sales of the Reebok Pumps skyrocketed during their release, almost selling out entirely within 24 hours. Perhaps this unconventional marketing strategy paid off?

The Young Bucks on their AEW dream match

Justin Fried: ” If you could have a dream match against any AEW tag team, who would it be?”

Nicholas Jackson expresses his strong belief that a potential collaboration between Christian Cage and Adam Copeland would be an ideal match for him and Matthew, should they reunite as a team in the future. This was once an unlikely prospect in his mind.

Matthew Jackson proposes two options: a face-off between Copeland and Christian, or a repeat bout against Adam Page, aka Hangman, and Kenny Omega.

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2024-07-13 18:16

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