Why AEW Dropped Jeff Jarretts Retirement Tour Angle

During the March 18 episode of the Fightful Select Podcast, Sean Ross Sapp was asked why AEW decided to abruptly end Jarretts angle instead of letting it play out as initially planned. His response was blunt: It wasnt good, it didnt work, and they moved away from it.

The retirement storyline had originally been expected to run much longer, with Jarrett locked in a feud against MJF. Over the past few weeks, Jarrett and MJF exchanged heated insults, leading many to believe their rivalry would have a more extended payoff. However, Tony Khan had other ideas.

As Sapp previously explained, nothing in AEW is guaranteed until Khan gives it the green light, and even then, plans can change. Many storylines are discussed between talent before they even reach Khan, which isnt the structure he prefers. While Khan may approve certain ideas, he often tweaks their length or direction.

This was exactly what happened with Jarrett vs. MJF. Sapp revealed that the plan had originally been for the rivalry to last much longer, but Khan pulled the plug, deciding to move MJF into a program with Hangman Page instead.

For example, MJF and Jeff Jarrettthat was supposed to go much longer than its going to, but Tony Khan was like, No, Ive got other plans. Im moving towards MJF and Hangman. So that didnt end up happening.

The end of Jarretts retirement tour was made clear when MJF insulted him after Jarrett failed to win a shot at the AEW World Title on the February 5 episode of AEW Dynamite. That same night, MJF pivoted into a fiery promo segment with Dustin Rhodes, signaling a shift in direction.

For now, MJF is set to feud with Dustin Rhodes, but all signs point toward a much bigger showdown with Hangman Page in the near future. As for Jarrett, his role in AEW remains uncertain, but his farewell storyline has officially been cut short.