AJ Styles & Arik Cannon’s Social Media Argument Over Claims Avery Styles Did Not Help Out at GCW Event Update – GCW Promoter Brett Lauderdale Issues Official Statement

As noted before, WWE Hall of Famer AJ Styles and indies wrestler Arik Cannon were involved in an online incident on social media this past Saturday over an argument revolving around Cannon’s claims that Styles’ son Avery did not help out with the ring setup at Game Changer Wrestling’s event this past July and Styles stating that his son was only paid to wrestle and not do other work. This dispute originated after Cannon had responded to recent comments from Nattie who had praised Avery for being someone who was “paying his dues” for his wrestling career and not just coasting off his famous wrestling father. GCW recently issued an official statement stating that Cannon does not speak for the company and only himself for this situation.

GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale issued an official statement earlier today on Twitter stating that he respects both Cannon and AJ Styles and his belief that Avery deserves the same grace that any teenager this early into their wrestling career would get.

“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

In response to a fan who claimed that Avery is only getting bookings with GCW because of who his father is, Lauderdale responded stating:

“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