Major wrestling promoter provides on update on AEW stars' status for indie shows
AEW has proved to be one of the biggest rivals to WWE in nearly two decades. The Tony Khan-led promotion has top talents from all around the worlds. Some of them are former WWE Superstars, while many of them are top-notch indie pro-wrestlers.
Numerous wrestlers are seen in multiple promotions, despite being signed to AEW. Not only appearances, but many of these wrestlers are regularly witnessed in action. GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale recently gave an insight of what actually happens behind the scenes.
While speaking to Lavie Margolin and John Poz on The Business of the Business, Brett Lauderdale said that it depends upon who the wrestler is.
"As far as AEW talent goes, and AEW’s policy, I still to this day don’t know what it is. It seems to be ever changing, but also it never changes. So I think everybody’s still literally on a case-by-case basis," said Lauderdale.
The GCW promoter went on to say that Tony Khan doesn't allow every wrestler to appear in other promotions.
"There are certain talent in AEW that can kind of call their shots, and do what they want, and there are others that aren’t in a position to do that. I guess some people have to ask for permission, some people don’t, some people are supposed to, but don’t, and then do it anyways," said Bret. [H/T- Fightful]
Brett Lauderdale is considered as one of the better booking geniuses in the business. He has owned Game Changer Wrestling since 2015.
Vince Russo talks about AEW's Tony Khan not utilizing Ace Steel properly
After the Brawl Out incident in the company, where The Elite and CM Punk, along with his friend Ace Steel, got into a backstage altercation.
Steel was one of the more efficient workers in the business, but was sadly in trouble after the altercation. Many believe that Khan missed an opportunity, with Russo going as far as to suggest booking Ace as a jobber.
Speaking on Sportskeeda's Writing with Russo, Russo said that Tony Khan could have set an example during that sitiation.
"And bro, you know what I would’ve done? I would’ve kept Steel aboard, and I would’ve made him my whipping boy. That’s how you get ratings! But this guy, bro, is so set on booking good matches! I would’ve jobbed Ace Steel that night, I would’ve ran the locker room on Ace Steel that night, and let everybody hit their finishing move," said Vince Russo.
Ace Steel was released from the promotion in September 2023.