Roderick Strong made his AEW debut in April, when he reunited with his Undisputed Era buddy Adam Cole, saving him from an attack by the Jericho Appreciation Society. The former NXT North American Champion said that keeping his debut a secret was tough. 

“It was very difficult,” Strong said about his debut being a secret. “But, it’s also something that I feel bad because I misled people. I didn’t outright lie, but you do realize, especially nowadays, there are no real secrets anymore in wrestling. And to actually be able to be one is huge. It’s something that people will remember forever.”

Strong said that he went to great lengths to keep his debut a secret, even not telling some of his family about signing with AEW. The former WWE star revealed that he was incredibly nervous on his AEW debut. 

Since joining AEW, Strong has feuded with the Jericho Appreciation Society and even defeated Chris Jericho in a singles match. He has also been involved in the storyline between Adam Cole and MJF, warning his friend to not trust the AEW World Champion.