Recently AEW President Tony Khan got involved in a controversy after an episode of former AEW star Big Swole’s “Swole World” show that aired on Call-In. During the episode, the former AEW star called out All Elite Wrestling for a lack of diversity and revealed it was one of the leading factors in her departure earlier this year. Tony Khan had previously made an Interesting claim about The Rock.
AEW President, CEO, General Manager & Head Of Creative Tony Khan responded in a tweet, pointed to how other people of color have succeeded in AEW, and then said he let Swole’s contract expire because her wrestling wasn’t good enough.
“The top 2 @AEW execs are brown (me & Megha)!! Jade, Bowens, Caster, Dante, Nyla, Isiah & Marq Quen all won on tv this month. The TBS Title Tournament has been very diverse. I let Swole’s contract expire as I felt her wrestling wasn’t good enough. #AEWRampage Street Fight TONIGHT!,”
AEW stars back Tony Khan
It was also noted that AEW’s recently signed talents, Lio Rush, is “pissed” about the situation and has demanded for Tony Khan to apologize for his response. But, some AEW members have backed Khan in this case.
Member of Team Taz and a fellow black star featured in AEW, Powerhouse Hobbs, took some time to release a statement through social media. Hobbs came to the aid of AEW to a degree, pointing out that they have put minorities in “heavy” spots since the company’s inception.
“I’ve been featured in some heavy ass spots since being signed to AEW as well as other minorities. Now TK has put me in spots at the right time that meant something (Punk, Christian Cage,Brian Cage and Hangman and especially running in and saving Mox). This company has been there since the passing of my Mother. Cody and QT played tremendous part in getting me signed. Lastly if you have a issue with someone pick up the phone,” Hobbs wrote.
One of the finalists in the TBS Championship tournament and still undefeated in the ring, Jade Cargill also posted a tweet pointing to her successes since first debuting with AEW.
“‘That B—h’ Jade Cargill’s 2021 Pro Wrestling Recap & Highlights:
-No prior pro wrestling experience. Trusted in the upstart company over a well-known one .
-Once in a lifetime high profile in-ring debut with @Shaq and @CodyRhodes.”
Shawn Dean, a star that is featured in dark matches and serves as the AEW Extras Coordinator backstage put his own two cents into the discussion. Being a part of the production team, Shawn Dean hopes that people will start trusting their process in getting black stars over with the fans.
“Shawn Dean @AEW Extras Coordinator…my official title in #AEW behind the scenes, a black male in the office, giving as many opportunities to minority talents as I can every single week. On the community team…raising awareness for inner city kids any chance I get…The things we are expecting can and will happen…Trust the process,” Dean wrote.
— “The MONSTAR” PowerHouse Hobbs (@TrueWillieHobbs) January 1, 2022
“That Bitch” Jade Cargill’s 2021 Pro Wrestling Recap & Highlights:
-No prior pro wrestling experience. Trusted in the upstart company over a well known one 🙏🏾💪🏾.
-Once in a lifetime high profile in-ring debut with @Shaq and @CodyRhodes.
— Jade Cargill (@Jade_Cargill) January 1, 2022
