AEW Releases: Tony Khan Shifts Stance on Talent Departures

One Big Thing

AEW CEO Tony Khan confirms a philosophical shift in his approach to talent releases, addressing the recent departures of Malakai Black, Ricky Saints, Miro, and Rey Fenix.

Why It Matters

This marks a significant change in AEW’s talent management strategy, which previously maintained a reputation for retaining contracted wrestlers. The shift could signal a new era in how AEW handles its roster management.

Key Details

• Four major talents released in February 2024:
  – Malakai Black
  – Ricky Saints (formerly Ricky Starks)
  – Miro
  – Rey Fenix
• Saints quickly appeared on WWE NXT just one day after his release
• Malakai Black’s last AEW appearance was at Full Gear in November
• The other released talents had been absent from AEW programming for extended periods

Direct Quote

“I do think it’s a case-by-case basis… Philosophically, there is a change in what I’ve been doing,” Khan stated during the AEW Revolution 2024 media call. “It felt like the right thing for the company and everyone involved at this point.”

By The Numbers

• 4 significant talents released in February 2024
• 1 day between Saints’ AEW release and WWE NXT appearance
• 3 months since Black’s last AEW appearance

What’s Next

• Reports suggest Miro, Black, and Fenix may follow Saints to WWE
• Industry observers watching for potential additional roster changes
• Questions remain about AEW’s future talent management strategy

The Bottom Line

This shift in AEW’s talent release policy suggests a more strategic approach to roster management, potentially aligning the company more closely with traditional wrestling business practices.

What do you think about AEW’s new approach to talent releases? Share your thoughts in the comments below.