Tony Khan "never had the ba*ls" to fire underused AEW talent, says WWE veteran
AEW's hiring habits have been criticized by fans and veterans alike. It is clear that Tony Khan has too many names on his roster to offer each star adequate time to showcase their skills. The company's YouTube shows, Dark and Dark: Elevation, alleviated this problem to some extent. But these shows have seemingly been canceled, and Jim Cornette has shared his thoughts on the matter.
Last week, Andrew Zarian of The Wrestling Observer reported that AEW's YouTube wrestling shows have seized recording for the time being to accommodate the company's new deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. As part of the deal, all of AEW's wrestling content will be aired exclusively through the broadcaster.
AEW Dark and Dark Elevation have ended for the time being.
This in part has to do with AEW signing a new deal for AEW Collision to air on Saturdays.
Part of the new deal is that AEW Wrestling content will exclusively air on WBD.
As of today, this doesn't include ROH. https://t.co/9O5JyheIL8
While this came as sad news for fans of Dark and Dark: Elevation, Jim Cornette is not too fussed by the outcome. Speaking on a recent episode of his podcast, the wrestling veteran said the following:
"It's not like these were fully formed television shows with interviews, and angles, and ready to go out. It's just meaningless matches with their underneath talent that Tony amassed and has never had the ba*ls to give notice to, cut contracts, cut costs, whatever — for people he's been paying for years." [03:41 - 04:01]
With the loss of their YouTube shows and the promotion set to launch a new television program imminently, it remains yet to be seen whether Tony Khan will trim down his current roster in the future.
AEW continues to hire new talent
Despite having an incredibly large roster, the Jacksonville-based promotion has continued to add more names to its books since the turn of the year.
In 2023, Komander, Mark Briscoe, Taya Valkyrie, Roderick Strong, and Jay White have all signed with the promotion, along with many others. However, Tony Khan has not only added to his impressive arsenal of in-ring workers but has brought in people to help in broadcasting and backstage positions.
Former NXT commentator Nigel McGuinness joined AEW's announce team, soon followed by Spanish commentator Alvaro Riojas. The company also acquired Will Washington to work as their Wrestling Administration Coordinator.
All official AEW signings this year so far. https://t.co/yWpPfMHETO
Despite the initial excitement surrounding these new hirings, their long-term impact on the promotion's product remains to be seen.