Keith Lee previews his match at ROH Final Battle.
On the December 2 episode of AEW Rampage, Lee was confronted by his former tag team partner, Shane Taylor, who challenged him to a match at ROH Final Battle. At the pay-per-view, Taylor and Griffey will face Lee and Swerve Strickland. The duo haven't teamed up together since Lee walked out on Strickland during their title match against The Acclaimed (Max Caster & Anthony Bowens) at AEW Full Gear.
Speaking on Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, Lee discussed AEW's trip to Texas, which will include the Final Battle pay-per-view. He made it clear that he enjoys competing in his home state, and he's grateful for the opportunity to do so.
“No one can overlook how cool it is to be in their home state at any given point in time when they’re doing what they love to do, and then also being supported by people that are from the same area or have some sort of representation, it’s always a cool and really warm moment. So I’m grateful and appreciative," Lee said.
Lee then discussed his match at ROH Final Battle and noted that fans have been interested in a clash between him and Taylor, given their previous run as a tag team. He also highlighted Griffey and stated that he, like Taylor, is a dangerous competitor.
“I feel like we kinda have to put a pencil in that because it was such a sudden ordeal. I don’t know what it is with me trying to entertain interviews on-screen lately, but I can’t seem to even get a word out most of the time. The reality is, with Shane Taylor, I think that that in and of itself is something that people would have been interested in, even years back because we were such a dominant tag team. The idea of opposition is probably interesting. I don’t think people truly understand how dangerous JD Griffey is, and take it from a person who does Muay Thai and used to do it with. Now I just train on my own. I did not understand that the reason that I was training on my own was because of this, but I have learned. There’s a lot to think about when it comes to those two guys. But in the moment, I feel like I only have to get ready. Knowing them both and knowing how dangerous they both are, all I can do is mentally prepare myself," Lee said.
The powerhouse then addressed his partnership with Strickland and stated that, following their setback at AEW Full Gear, they're "working on things." Lee expressed his hope that his patience won't run out, both for the sake of their team and for the mtach at the pay-per-view.
"Whatever trials and/or tribulations may come along with Swerve because he and I are obviously on talking terms, and I think the best way to put it is we working on things. Me, myself, as per usual, attempting to be a patient individual, all I can say is I hope my patience does not run out for the sake of the partnership and for the sake of not getting destroyed by Shane and JD. It’s a balancing act right now," he said.
Claudio Castagnoli recently stated that he wants to defend the ROH World Championship against young talent. Check out his comments here.
Check out the updated card for ROH Final Battle here.
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