AEW’s Year of Departures: Superstars Released in 2023

In 2023, AEW has witnessed the departure of several prominent individuals from its ranks. Here is a comprehensive list of those who have bid farewell to AEW this year:

CM Punk

CM Punk, the marquee name of AEW, left the promotion following a backstage altercation at All In. He subsequently made a triumphant return to WWE.

Ace Steel

Initially brought back to AEW to collaborate with CM Punk in preparation for the Collision event, Ace Steel found himself released from the company after Punk’s departure in September.

Jade Cargill

The inaugural AEW TBS Champion, Jade Cargill, concluded her AEW journey after losing her championship rematch. Like Punk, she has embarked on a new path with WWE.

Brian Pillman Jr.

Brian Pillman Jr., who had debuted for AEW in 2019, parted ways with the company in July 2023 when his contract expired. He has since joined WWE NXT under the moniker Lexis King.

QT Marshall

QT Marshall, the head of the Nightmare Factory, recently departed from AEW, reportedly due to frustration over his perceived lack of recognition within the company.

Sonny Kiss

In a discreet move, Sonny Kiss was removed from AEW’s roster page in September. Tony Khan confirmed during a post-All Out media session that Kiss had not been re-signed.

Fuego Del Sol

In June, the masked wrestler Fuego Del Sol announced his departure from AEW. He had initially debuted for the company in May 2020.

AQA

AQA became the first wrestler to part ways with AEW this year when her contract expired. She had competed in seven matches during her tenure.

Trench

Trench, a member of Swerve Strickland’s Mogul Affiliates faction, departed from AEW on July 3, having not participated in any matches during his time with the promotion.

Zack Clayton

Zack Clayton’s exit from AEW was officially confirmed in October 2023. He was also known for his appearance on Jersey Shore: Family Vacation.

Brock Anderson

The son of AEW producer and wrestling legend Arn Anderson, Brock Anderson, joined the promotion in 2021 but announced his departure in October.

The Bunny

Making her AEW debut at the Fyter Fest pay-per-view in June 2019, The Bunny departed from the promotion.

Vickie Guerrero

Vickie Guerrero, who had managed Nyla Rose and Marina Shafir, announced her departure from AEW earlier in the year.

Dana Massie

Dana Massie, who served as AEW’s Chief Marketing & Merchandising Officer and is the wife of AEW EVP and Young Buck Matt Jackson, left her role.

Rafael Morffi

Rafael Morffi, the Vice President of Live Events/Touring at AEW, parted ways with the company. He had previously worked with TNA Wrestling.

Shawn Spears

Shawn Spears has recently revealed his intention to leave AEW by the end of this year.

These talents have left their mark in AEW and the wrestling world, with some continuing their careers in different promotions.