Tony Khan has changed his approach to releasing talent, but he isnt applying a one-size-fits-all rule.
During the AEW Revolution media call on March 6, 2025, Dave Meltzer asked him if his philosophy on releasing wrestlers had shifted after parting ways with Miro, Malakai Black, Ricky Starks, and Rey Fenix.
Khan confirmed that it is a change in philosophy but explained that every situation is handled individually. Things are case by case, he said. I simply decided that it was the best thing to do at this point.
He continued, thats the thinking behind that. Its on a case by case basis and they are all different situations. In this case, they did have similar outcomes. Its fair to ask why now and why I wouldnt have done that before. I just decided thats what I thought was the right thing to do at this point.
AEWs recent releases have sparked plenty of discussion, especially with reports that the company considered letting Fenix go before ultimately deciding against it. Meanwhile, Fenix has reportedly been looking for a way out of AEW, with speculation that he wants to join his brother Penta in WWE.
The decisions to release Starks, Miro, and Black all came under different circumstances. Starks and Miro were granted their requests, Blacks contract ran out, and Bear Boulder was released after his arrest. AEW had previously been hesitant to let talent go, but this latest batch of exits signals that Khan is adjusting his approach.
Will AEW continue releasing more talent, or was this just a one-time move? Should Fenix be granted his release? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
