Darby Allin on Thumbtacks, Flamethrowers and How AEW Changed His Life
Darby Allin took thumbtacks to the face during a high-profile match at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, a moment that highlighted the extreme physical toll of professional wrestling. Speaking to Adrian Hernandez, Allin addressed the brutal spot, explaining the split-second panic of ensuring his vision remained intact while sharp objects pressed against his skin.
The Reality Behind the Thumbtack Spot at Forbidden Door
High-risk maneuvers frequently define the modern wrestling landscape, pushing athletes to calculate physical boundaries in real time. During the interview with Adrian Hernandez, Allin reflected on the execution of the spot and dismissed notions that he felt immediate regret, noting that the physical sensation was secondary to basic safety checks.
According to Allin, the awkward facial expression captured on camera was a deliberate reflex rather than a display of agony. “The reason I made that face is because I had to blink to make sure a thumbtack didn’t get in my eyeball. I didn’t regret it,” Allin stated. He added that the impact “didn’t even hurt that bad,” but admitted to a momentary lapse in spatial awareness regarding the proximity of the hardware to his face.
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Regulatory Approval and Creative Freedom in All Elite Wrestling
Beyond traditional weapon spots, Allin discussed the administrative and creative process required to clear dangerous props for television broadcast. When asked about introducing a flamethrower to AEW television, Allin described a surprisingly streamlined protocol within the promotion.
“There’s not a lot. It’s just, ‘Let me torch someone with a flamethrower.’ ‘Okay, cool. There’s not a lot that goes into it. There’s not a bunch of hoops. We get business done fast,” Allin explained regarding the approval pipeline.
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Financial Independence and the Long-Term Impact of AEW
Allin, who became All Elite in 2019 and has captured the AEW World Championship, Tag Team Championship, and TNT Championship during his tenure, detailed how long-term stability with the promotion shifted his personal life. The former champion emphasized that financial security provided through his contract allowed him to fundamentally alter his family’s future.
“It’s insane. I can’t even… I had my parents retire because of this,” Allin shared during the interview. He noted that the compensation structure enabled him and his wife to plan for long-term stability, creating a sense of mental freedom that reinforces his dedication to the company.
“I really feel everybody, if they truly, truly understood the beauty of this place, they would treat it with the respect it deserves. No one can create a Darby Allin. I am me. You can’t create me. There’s nothing I won’t do for this,” Allin concluded.
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Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.