Tony Khan Reveals Reason for Recent AEW Cuts

The recent unexpected releases of several superstars from the AEW roster have sparked intrigue and speculation within the wrestling community. The reasons behind Tony Khan’s decision to part ways with these talents were previously unknown but now Tony Khan has confirmed the reason.

The first to be let go was Stu Grayson, followed swiftly by AEW ring announcer Dasha Kuret. In total, approximately 10 stars have been released from AEW thus far. Alongside Grayson and Kuret, Parker Boudreaux, Slim J, Gravity, Anthony Henry, Jora Johl, Jose The Assistant, and the Boys have also been added to the list of departures from the company.

In response to Brandon Thurston of Wrestlenomics querying about the recent cuts and potential budget constraints, Tony Khan confirmed budget cuts as a factor and shed light on AEW’s financial landscape while speaking on the post-ROH Supercard of Honor press conference.

“This year, I have been very active, not only in the free agent market, but in the production budget. There are things tonight, for example, on one song alone, I spent a year’s pay for most pro wrestlers in this business. The budget with not only free agency, but production, is very high. Also, we’re going into a contract year. I plan to continue being very active, not only in free agency, but in the production of the show, and producing great content. Going into this year, I have to look at where we’re at. I had spent more than I had planned going into this year. I really love our roster and where we’re at. I’m very supportive of everybody we have here and everybody who has ever worked here. This particular group, it was not easy choices to make.”

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”With this group, I would be happy to take any of them back under the right circumstances. I have no bridges burned with any of them. For us this year, it’s an important year. I’m looking forward going into the media rights year and being very aggressive and putting our best foot forward doing the best wrestling we can. I expect there will be people who will want to come to AEW and ROH. We’re doing great wrestling and this is a great place to work.”

We will have to wait and see whether Tony Khan will end up releasing more talent this year, especially considering the fact that he still plans on being very aggressive in the free agent market.

Do you feel Tony Khan made the right decision to release so many talent as part of budget cuts? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!