Tony Khan Explains Why AEW Didn’t Release Any Stars During Pandemic

AEW was able to figure out a way to continue their weekly shows without a live crowd. They had plenty of fans watching at home, but the company still lost a lot of money in ticket sales.

WWE fired 40% of their staff including a lot of on-screen talent. They also furloughed several producers. AEW didn’t let anyone go during the coronavirus pandemic while paying staff whether they showed up or not.

While speaking to AEW Unrestricted, Tony Khan revealed that AEW lost millions of dollars in ticket revenue. The run of shows between Revolution and Double Or Nothing were set to be great crowds. He still couldn’t take it out on his staff by letting people go when the company lost money.

“We were on a really good run. What was happening in between Revolution and Double or Nothing, this was going to be the best run of business we’ve ever had, and we’ve lost millions and millions of dollars in live events. I don’t take it lightly, but I can’t take it out on the people that work here because it’s not their fault. We’ve really not let anybody go here as a company, and look, I’m gonna be honest, there’s gonna come a day where somebody, we’re gonna have to, but now is not the time. This is a hard time for everybody. It’s a hard time for us, but I have to look at the bigger picture. In the big picture, we’re in such good shape. We’re the second healthiest wrestling company in the world, and that’s a really great place to be. And we haven’t let a single person go to do it.”

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AEW will return to live television this week. They will also film next week’s episode sometimes today. Their plan is to alternate weeks between live and taped shows.

The company is also taking a ton of precautions to ensure the safety of everyone in the building.

Thanks to Wrestling Inc for the quote