Tony Khan has set the record straight on two wrestlers who were released in the past week.
On April 1st, news broke that 10 contracted AEW talent were released from the company. Given that Khan has gone on record to state that he would not fire employees unless it was with cause, many were shocked by the news.
During a media call ahead of ROH Final Battle, Khan would divulge more into the reason why he fired The Boys [Brandon and Brent Tate], stating that it was because they would repeatedly not turn up for work. However, the twins would clarify on social media that this was not the case and they were actually released due to budget cuts and addressed their previous travel issues.
“This Is A Great Place To Work”: Tony Khan
When asked by Brandon Thurston if budget cuts were the reason, Khan responded as follows:
“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. 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,”
H/t to Fightful.
Featured image: AEW
