AEW recently made unexpected releases of several talents from its roster, surprising wrestling fans. Following the shocking mass releases, there has been speculation among fans about the promotion’s financial condition. However, recent reports have shed light on AEW’s decision.
While AEW recently made mass releases, the promotion also welcomed top wrestling free agents. Mercedes Mone, Kazuchika Okada, and Will Ospreay are the latest arrivals in All Elite Wrestling.
According to PWInsider, the recent release of AEW is not due to a cut in funding. Instead, they were part of a strategic reorganization of how the promotion utilizes its roster, allowing talent to explore other opportunities without being tied down.
The report states that AEW is open to working with the talents in the future, suggesting that this move was a roster change rather than a permanent shutdown. Furthermore, the reports also clarified the speculation about financial losses.
This shift in AEW’s release strategy marks a significant change. This reflects the promotion’s evolving approach to talent management under Tony Khan‘s leadership. Khan, known for avoiding mass releases in AEW’s five-year history, has recently taken a different approach for the first time.
Who were on the list of the recent AEW releases?
Reports indicate that the promotion is in the midst of a talent evaluation and believes that the releases are in the best interests of both the company and the performers. This marks the first instance of AEW engaging in mass cuts since its founding in 2019, signaling a potential shift in its business strategy. The cost-cutting moves also suggest that AEW is entering a new business phase, focusing on optimizing its resources.
Tony Khan, who had previously criticized WWE’s budget-cut releases, has now adopted a similar approach with AEW’s mass releases. The promotion has released ten wrestlers, including Stu Grayson, Dasha Kuret, Anthony Henry, Gravity, Jose the Assistant, Slim J, Parker Boudreaux, Jora Johl, and The Boys (aka the Tate Twins).
Furthermore, The Boys (Tate Twins) have become free agents. They have approximately 16 months remaining on their current AEW contracts. It is believed that everyone who has been released is now a free agent moving forward.
