Tony Khan On How AEW Avoided Releasing Wrestlers & Staff During Pandemic

WWE performed widespread cuts on April 15th were the released numerous Superstars and around 300 other staff. Departments previously designated to plot out travel schedules and live events were demolished, and many longtime employees were suddenly without a job during the pandemic.

While speaking with Sports Illustrated, Tony Khan was asked about WWE’s company cuts. He then discussed how pleased he is that AEW was able to make it through this tough time without any widespread cuts.

“I’m really pleased that we haven’t done that. We negotiated a great television contract that will keep us going, and that made it possible for us to hang on in a time when there wasn’t a revenue stream of ticket sales. Now the ticket sales revenue stream is very different. We were the No. 1 touring wrestling company per event, but that’s not a major revenue stream right now. The television revenue is such an important part of the business model.”

“Frankly, I wasn’t concerned about making the biggest profit in 2020. We could have slashed and made some good money, but it’s been a very challenging year. Every company can approach it the way they want, but as the president and CEO of this company, it was important for me to keep people working and getting paid.”

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Sadie Gibbs and Bea Priestly were released from AEW because they were unable to make the trip to the United States. Other than Jimmy Havoc, who was released over #SpeakingOut allegations, AEW did a great job keeping everyone employed during this difficult time.