Brodie Lee Jr. dreams of becoming a renowned wrestler, just like his father.
In December 2020, Brodie Lee passed away due to a rare lung condition. The former Luke Harper was loved by fellow wrestlers and fans alike, and AEW hosted a special tribute show to honor him. There, Brodie Jr. appeared in multiple emotional segments, and he has had a semi-regular presence on AEW programming ever since. He remains associated with the stable his father led, the Dark Order.
Speaking with Men’s Health, Brodie stated that he he wants to be just like his father, and being involved with AEW is helping him honor his legacy.
“[Being involved] helps me because, like, I am ‘Carrying the Legacy’ of my dad,” Brodie said. “I do it because I love it. And my dad did it.”
Some critics have argued that AEW is using the boy in the aftermath of his father’s death. His mother, Amanda Huber, responded to these claims by emphasizing that AEW has been nothing but kind to them, and she does not feel like Brodie has been exploited whatsoever.
“That’s not it, either!” Amanda said. [AEW has handled their situation with] such grace and such kindness … that I personally don’t feel like they’ve exploited him, or taken advantage of us. Everything’s always felt to me like it’s done with nothing but love. I think people are skeptical and pessimistic and assume that it’s a lot more sinister than it is.
“Again, everybody would have a different way of handling this. I’m doing my best. I’m trying. There’s a good chance I’m screwing something up along the way.”
Amanda emphasized that school has to come first for Brodie. The interview also revealed that, once Brodie turns 18, he will have access to an account that’s saving his royalties from his AEW merchandise.
Brodie has repeatedly made it clear that he wants to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a wrestler. When asked to describe what Brodie Sr. would think about his son’s springboard into the wrestling world, Amanda noted that he would have disapproved out loud, but he would have been happy deep down.
