On Friday, November 21st, Defy World Champion Bryan Keith will defend his title in the highly anticipated rematch against Sotheara Cody Chhun!

“The Bounty Hunter” took time out of his busy schedule to sit down with our Marissa Gendron for an exclusive interview ahead of the big showdown! Keith gave us a closer look at what got him into wrestling, his career, and his time as Defy Champion!

He credits The Undertaker as one of his first memories of wrestling

One of Keith’s first memories was watching WWF videos in his uncle’s den with his siblings. He remembers explicitly seeing The Undertaker and saying he wanted to be like him! That passion stayed with him and continued after his uncle’s passing.

Kevin Bernhardt from Realty Of Wrestling introduced him to Booker T

Keith initially trained at Texas All-Star Wrestling. It was there that he met Kevin Bernhardt, Director of Booker T’s school, Reality of Wrestling. He began going to ROW, where Keith was able to fine-tune his craft and grow into a star!

First time he left Texas was in 2021

Keith was a homegrown Texan through and through. He did not travel to other states for wrestling promotions until 2021, once airlines began lifting COVID-19 restrictions. He credits Booker T for having him ready for when his time came.

His program with “Speedball” Mike Bayley and Wrestling Masato Tanaka are his standout matches

There is no doubt that “The Bounty Hunter” values all of the matches he has in Defy Wrestling and other Independent Promotions. But one that stands out to him is his series of matches with Mike Bailey across multiple promotions. It was also his dream to face Masato Tanaka, given how much he likes and respects Japanese Wrestling.

He felt welcomed and like he belonged in AEW from the very beginning

Keith remembers getting the call to wrestle and then signing with AEW! His first time wrestling for AEW was in Chicago against “Hangman” Adam Page. Keith said he has learned a lot at the promotion. And he has always been welcomed and treated kindly since his first appearance in 2023.

Remembering becoming Defy World Champion and what it means to him?

It was when Champion Clark Connors’ issued an open challenge in September 2025 that Keith became Defy Champion. He remembers the opportunities and chances given to him, and he will forever be grateful!

His first title defense of the championship at a Defy Wrestling Show was against Cody. Keith said he knew Cody was homegrown and a fan favorite! He knew what he was in for. When it was over and he came out on top, both superstars agreed it was a great match and had to do a rematch.

Keith doesn’t take being Defy World Champion lightly. He knows the responsibility that comes with that. And that there’s a target on his back, but that’s always been the way he feels as “The Bounty Hunter.” He welcomes the challenge. And proud to be a champion, given the great talents who have held the title before and the lineage it carries!

Advice he would give aspiring talent

The Bounty Hunter’s advice is simple: “Work like your life depends on it, because it does!” Always give everything you have for the fans, and try to put yourself in the best position and in contact with the right people.

* The full interview will air on Turnbuckle Times’ YouTube, X, and Facebook accounts on Friday, November 21st, at 10 PM EST / 7 PM EST!*

We want to thank Defy Wrestling and their World Champion, Bryan Keith, for making this interview possible! Make sure to check out Defy Wrestling: Aeon 2 live from Washington Hall in Seattle, WA, streaming on TrillerTV+ beginning at 11 PM PST / 8 PM EST. Tickets are limited and still available at Defy Wrestling’s website.