AEW Locker Room Allegedly Walked Out on Advice Offered by Company’s Biggest Names

Marina Shafir didn’t hold back when discussing a moment that revealed just how many AEW wrestlers let an opportunity slip right through their fingers.

Speaking on Rulebreakers with Saraya, Shafir recalled a backstage meeting where top AEW names — including Jon Moxley, Chris Jericho, The Young Bucks, Bryan Danielson, and Kenny Omega — extended a hand to help talent get indie bookings and stay active between shows. But almost no one followed up.

Shafir painted the scene clearly. There had been some internal tension around leaks to the dirt sheets, and AEW management wanted to reframe the conversation around development and growth.

“I don’t know if you remember, I think this was like either right after you came in or right before, but there was a leak in the building — like, to the dirt sheets or whatever — and we would have meetings, you know? They would address that.”

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That’s when the conversation turned serious — AEW leadership acknowledged that some wrestlers weren’t getting enough reps and needed to stay sharp through indie work. They offered to help directly.

“They said, ‘If anybody wants help, ask one of us. We’d be more than happy to help.’ And I’m talking about The Young Bucks, Jericho, Mox, Bryan, Kenny — I think maybe one or two more.”

And then?

“Once the meeting was over, everybody got up and everybody left. And they just all stood up there with their dicks in their hands. They were just like, ‘Oh, okay… whatever.'”

While the room cleared, Marina stayed behind. She saw the moment for what it was and went directly to Moxley to ask for help.

“I just went right up to Mox and I go, ‘I need help. I know I have something that’s different, but I know the nature of this beast will dilute it. And it’ll just be here one day, gone the other. If we can do something with it — cool. I’m willing and ready to learn. I know I need the reps. I know it’s not tailored. I just need help.'”

Moxley took her seriously. He watched her matches and decided to work with her — a decision that would eventually lead to her renewed presence on AEW programming.

Marina’s story reveals a hard truth: while AEW’s top stars were willing to offer guidance, many in the locker room didn’t even bother to take them up on it.

Shafir didn’t just want a handout — she showed initiative, self-awareness, and hustle. That attitude may be exactly why she’s getting another shot while others continue waiting for one.

Do you think more wrestlers should speak up when help is offered — or is silence just part of the business? Drop your thoughts below and let us know what you think.

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