Christmas is just days away and the World Darts Championship is in full swing.
While typically, the world's premier darts tournament is well known for its legendary interviews, moments of TV magic and general debauchery, Joe Cullen delivered quite the opposite in the aftermath of his win on Sunday afternoon.
Cullen was facing off against Wessel Nijman in the second round of the World Darts Championship. Despite Nijmann being one of the favourites for tournament glory, Cullen who was the overwhelming underdog ultimately dispatched him with ease.
The 35-year-old delivered a truly emphatic win, hammering an undercooked Nijman 3 sets to nil. It was a well-deserved win for Cullen who was simply more clinical than his opponent during the game's key legs.
READ ALSO: Dylan Slevin Admits Change Needed To Adapt To Contentious New Darts Rule
READ ALSO: 'I Never Want To Go Through That Again, Playing Willie Or Any Of The Irish Lads'
Joe Cullen storms out of press conference after odd-defying win
While on any ordinary day, defying the odds in such emphatic fashion would've been the main talking point, Joe Cullen's frosty post-match interview did that on Sunday.
The English darter was evidently upset about the hype the media had shown his opponent in the lead-up to Saturday's game, something which both his win and decisive post-match interview laid bare.
'The Rockstar' Cullen was being interviewed on the stage of the Alexandra Palace when he all but ignored the questions being put to him, limiting his answers to single words in a protest to how the media had spoke about his chances in the lead-up the game.
Short and sweet from Joe Cullen, who will face Gerwyn Price in Round 3 🙌🗣️ pic.twitter.com/eUXPPSfO0f
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 22, 2024
If his initial message wasn't clear enough, the Bradford native's post-match press conference certainly did the job.
Speaking after his win, Cullen went on a short but unwavering tyrant at the assembled media, telling them he wasn't going to show them any respect after the hype his opponent before storming out.
The way I've been treated, with the media and everything like that, I know you guys have no control over the bookies, I've been showing no respect so I won't show respect to any of you guys tonight. I'm going to go home, cheers.
Joe Cullen STORMS OUT of Interview as he Slams Media For 'Writing Him Off'
😡The Rockstar was not happy at being ranked the outsider against Wessel Nijman and did not finish his post match press conference pic.twitter.com/AFSyeNfukU— Darts Now (@DartsNow_) December 22, 2024
After Cullen came in for criticism online for taking his frustrations out on Sky Sports reporter Abi Davies, the Rockstar clarified that he had a great relationship with her and briefed her in advance of the interview, claiming she replied ' ‘no problem sugar tits!’ in Nessa from Gavin and Stacey's voice.
Last thing I’ll say just to clarify this…… myself & Abi get on brilliant. I briefed Abi before the interview started that I wouldn’t be giving her much…… and she replied ‘no problem sugar tits!’ (In Nessa’s voice) - just to draw a line under that. Enjoy Xmas guys 😘😘 https://t.co/3b2hT3jMQG
— J O E C U L L E N (@rockstar_13_) December 22, 2024
Joe Cullen's win will now see him take on Gerwyn Price in round three after Christmas. Like Cullen, Price delivered an emphatic victory over Irishman Keane Barry to earn his spot in the third round of the competition.
SEE ALSO: "I've Never Felt Anything Like That": Littler Explains Tears After Record-Breaking Win
