Inside Darby Allin's journey from wrestling daredevil to AEW World Champion

From the squared circle to the fairway, professional wrestler Darby Allin continues to push the limits of what’s possible, taking us through his journey to the top of the mountain literally and figuratively.

LiveNOW from FOX spoke with Darby Allin about his rise to becoming All Elite Wrestling’s World Champion and the mindset that helped shape him into one of wrestling’s most fearless performers.

The backstory:

Allin has been part of AEW since the company’s launch, building a reputation for his unorthodox style and willingness to absorb punishment that most wrestlers would avoid. His high-risk approach and relentless energy quickly turned him into a fan favorite.

"I’ve put so much into these last six years in AEW, physically and mentally," Allin said. "I feel like I’m the guy who’s willing to do more for this company than anybody because I have no ego in anything that I do."
That mentality ultimately earned Allin the opportunity to rise to the top of the promotion, defeating MJF to capture the AEW World Championship.

"Night in and night out, that’s the Darby Allin you’re going to get," he said. "I can’t stop. Physically, mentally — my spirit won’t let me stop."

Just weeks after winning the title, Allin’s nonstop mentality carried over into one of the most unique championship defenses in recent wrestling memory: Fairway to Hell.

Fairway to Hell

The crossover event blended professional wrestling with a high-tech indoor golf venue, creating a chaotic spectacle unlike anything fans had seen before.

In the main event, Allin faced PAC in a match that spilled across putting greens and sand traps, featuring suplexes in bunkers and naturally, a trademark Darby Allin stunt, a massive balcony fall through multiple tables.

"I thought putting the world of pro wrestling in that setting was beautiful," Allin said. "It was amazing."
"When are you ever going to see people battle on the greens like that? Unless somebody loses their cool at a golf tournament and starts whipping butt."

Climbing Mount Everest

After spending years climbing to the top of the wrestling world figuratively, Allin accomplished something even fewer people achieve literally.

Last year, he reached the summit of Mount Everest, becoming one of the select few to complete the grueling ascent to the highest point on Earth.

Even managing to set a world record for highest elevation for a kickflip at 20,958 feet. 

Allin described the experience as far more demanding than anything he had encountered inside a gym or wrestling ring.

"So much went into that," he said. "I don’t think people truly understand how hard Mount Everest really is."

What's next:

Whether inside the ring or on the side of a mountain, Allin’s pursuit of the next challenge never seems to slow down.

Sunday, he faced promotional superstar MJF at AEW’s Double or Nothing, continuing a rivalry that helped define his rise to the top of the company.

"I’d rather this ride be short and sweet than long and mundane," Allin said. "I’m here now, and I’m going hard until the wheels fall off. I have no plans of stopping anytime soon."