AJ Wilkerson Brings New Hour To Phoenix Stage

Crowd-pleasing set draws ovations, teases Netflix callback, and hints at special edit soon

By Ratika Pai Ratika Pai linkedin_icon

New Phoenix Material Earns Ovations

This past weekend, comedian AJ Wilkerson landed in Phoenix with a fresh hour of standup that had the audience on its feet. Over the past three weeks of road testing, his new material has consistently ended with standing ovations — a feat Wilkerson celebrated on Instagram, posting a shot of himself mid-riff-grin with mic in hand under bright stage lights.

Recent Industry Milestones

Wilkerson’s social media post revealed that he’s riding a career wave. In just the last month he:
– Filmed a brand-new special that’s currently in post-production
– Got a callback from Netflix, signaling renewed interest from the streaming giant
– Earned high praise from Bert Kreischer, who quipped that Wilkerson is the new Shane Gillis
– Hung out backstage at Bridgestone Arena during an episode of the Kill Tony show
– Received a memorable greeting from fellow comic Matt Rife, complete with daps, a hug—and, as Wilkerson joked, “an erection.”

These updates underscore Wilkerson’s rising profile in comedy circles. Being tapped by Netflix again and lauded by established heavyweights like Kreischer suggests his breakout moment may be just around the corner.

Tour Highlights And Upcoming Dates

Before landing in Phoenix, Wilkerson hit several key markets. In early May he spent a weekend in Tulsa, Oklahoma, headlining shows May 8–10 at a local club. An Instagram announcement from the venue read, “We’re excited to have the hilarious @ajwilkersoncomedy this weekend in Tulsa. Grab your tickets while they’re still available; link in bio 🎟️.”

Next up on his docket was a weekend at Nashville’s Bananas Comedy Club. Fans were urged to “Don’t miss @ajwilkersoncomedy at Bananas Comedy Club next weekend 🎟️ Tickets at link in bio,” a post that quickly sold out multiple shows. Wilkerson’s rapid tour pace comes ahead of a planned paternity leave, which he teased on Instagram: “I’m on the road and running the next few months before I take some time off for paternity leave!”

Between filming his special and riding this prolific run, Wilkerson is packing stages coast to coast. After Phoenix, he’s slated for dates in Denver, Austin, and Seattle, rounding out a busy spring tour that promises more of his signature blend of self-deprecating humor and off-the-cuff stories.

Fan Buzz And Future Plans

Online chatter around Wilkerson has reached a fever pitch. Clips from his recent performances have been shared by pages dedicated to rising comedians, while fans praise his relatable anecdotes on everything from dad life to navigating the industry grind. One clip of Wilkerson riffing on “dad bod” went viral, drawing comments about his raw delivery and unfiltered punchlines.

Looking ahead, the new special in editing will be a landmark moment for Wilkerson. With Netflix back in the conversation and his material fine-tuned by constant live feedback, expectations are high for a release that could introduce him to a global audience.

Through every standing ovation and backstage cameo, Wilkerson remains grounded. As he told followers on Instagram, “One day someone in the industry is gonna figure out that I’ve been the guy this whole time, but until then come see my magic for yourself 🙌🏼🔥.” If the waves he’s making in Phoenix are any indication, that day may be closer than ever.

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Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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