Brett Lauderdale addresses controversy involving AJ Styles' son Avery

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Veteran independent wrestler Arik Cannon’s criticism of how AJ Styles’ son Avery conducted himself at a recent GCW show has been one of the wrestle web’s main story since the weekend. Caught up in the controversy over nepotism and wrestling’s “pay your dues” culture was GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale. The indie company’s head man issued a brief statement late yesterday (Aug. 10) that seemed designed to not do any further damage to Lauderdale & GCW’s relationship with WWE — which has been friendly with occasional signs of collaboration, such as booking ID program matches — without completely throwing Cannon under the bus. On social media today, Lauderdale shared more: I respect arik cannon & i respect aj styles. Regardless of which side of this situation you’re on… Avery Styles is a kid and he deserves the same grace that would be afforded to any other teenager being thrown in to the deep end at this early stage in his career (and LIFE) hes gonna make mistakes along the way just as all rookies in this business will, but the difference is he will be held to a higher standard because of who his dad is from talking to avery personally, im certain hes going to learn from them all and continue to grow on his journey hes gonna make mistakes along the way just as all rookies in this business will, but the difference is he will be held to a higher standard because of who his dad is from talking to avery personally, im certain hes going to learn from them all and continue to grow on his journey — brett lauderdale (@Lauderdale11) August 11, 2026 When someone apparently said something about Avery being privileged, Lauderdale responded: He earned his spot on the show because I’ve never seen a wrestler with less than 10 matches under his belt show so much natural talent and ability. He was highly recommended & endorsed by people whos opinions i value. There is no privilege here. If he sucked, he wouldnt be here He earned his spot on the show because I've never seen a wrestler with less than 10 matches under his belt show so much natural talent and ability. He was highly recommended & endorsed by people whos opinions i value. There is no privilege here. If he sucked, he wouldnt be here https://t.co/a8VGUEUASR — brett lauderdale (@Lauderdale11) August 11, 2026 Does any of that change your thoughts on the situation? Ready to move on? Think there’s much chance we’ll get to?

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GCW's Brett Lauderdale has addressed the controversy surrounding AJ Styles' son Avery, who was criticized for not helping set up the venue before his debut.