Kyle Fletcher responds to Stevie Richards' criticism and issues a challenge to WWE

Kyle Fletcher has become one of the most outstanding talents of All Elite Wrestling and one of the wrestlers with the most promising future in the current scene. However, there are those who believe that the Australian is not yet ready for the big stages.

This is the case of Stevie Richards, former ECW and WWE wrestler, who recently posted a video on YouTube titled "What does Kyle Fletcher lack?", where he stated that the TNT Champion has potential, but needs more experience and someone to teach him how to perform in the ring, especially regarding the psychology of the match. "He looks like he'll end up being an NXT Superstar", Richards said.

Of course, these statements did not go unnoticed by the fans of All Elite Wrestling or by Fletcher himself, who was asked about the issue in a recent appearance on The Ringer Wrestling Show. During his intervention, the Australian stated that he accepts all kinds of criticism, although he believes that Richards' statements were not made in good faith.

"Of course, yes," Fletcher replied when asked if he had seen Richards' comments. "I think a lot of people on Twitter or wherever only see the clip that is posted. I went and watched the whole video, everything he said. Look, I'm open to any criticism. It's okay. I'm in a world where everyone has the right to have an opinion. He has an opinion about who I am and what I am as a wrestler, and that's fine."

"I just don't think he did it in good faith, if you know what I mean. I think many of those guys just look for keywords, what generates clicks or visits. I don't think he talked much about what the culture is like in AEW. I don't think he knows absolutely anything about the culture in AEW. He said there's no one there from whom he can learn. I think that's bullsh*t, you know what I mean? I'm learning every day from incredible people. We have Bryan Danielson there almost every week."

"I mean, I'm open to criticism. I just don't think it was in good faith. But I don't hold a grudge. I'm willing to receive criticism at all times. I'm 26 years old. I'm still learning in this business, man. I have a long way to go, no doubt," he said.

During the interview, WWE's current policy of counterprogramming was also mentioned. An issue that has been a topic of conversation among fans, who have debated the existence - or not - of true competition between both companies. In this regard, Fletcher was asked if such competition provides him with extra motivation.

"Yes, I think there has to be a bit of that, right?" Fletcher replied. "It's in my competitive nature to think: 'Okay, if that's what you want to do, then I'm going out there and I'm going to crush it. And then, what are you going to say?'"

"So yeah, there's a bit of that. I put a lot of pressure on myself to perform at the highest level and in high-pressure scenarios. But yeah, I think this is probably the biggest opportunity I've had so far to go out there and really shine. I just have to do what I know I can do... and prove them wrong, you know what I mean?" expressed the Australian.

Kyle Fletcher will compete in the most important match of his professional career next weekend. The Australian will face Hangman Page for the AEW World Championship at All Out. If he wins, Fletcher would become the first wrestler in history to hold both the company's top championship and the TBS title at the same time.