More AEW wrestlers could be on their way out later this year, and apparently the company already has an idea of who could be in trouble. Once October rolls around, some contracts may simply be allowed to expire.
While speaking during a Self Made Session, Self Made Pro revealed that AEW’s current evaluation process could result in more wrestlers not being renewed later this year.
“And the people that are like that, I’m telling you for a fact, been told that when it hits October or later in this year, those are the people that are not going to get renewed.”
The wrestlers apparently most at risk are the ones sitting near the bottom of the roster who haven’t done much to change their position. For talent mostly getting opportunities in ROH, Self Made argued that simply waiting around for AEW to give them a bigger push isn’t enough. They need to make something happen whenever they actually get a chance.
“When you’re in his position and you’re not pushed and you’re at the bottom of the roster and you’re mainly just getting opportunities at ROH, this is what you have to do. You have to show out when you get a chance. You have to try to reinvent yourself. You got to be in the best shape you can be.”
That means changing things up if something isn’t working. If a wrestler keeps appearing without improving their presentation, evolving their character or staying in good physical condition, that could become a problem when renewal time comes around.
“You got to do something because you don’t want to be that guy that is in that position, and when people do see you, nothing about you has evolved or changed. And there are many people like that. Worse off, they’re like, ‘Damn, when did this person get out of shape?’”
This also lines up with what Bryan Alvarez recently said about AEW’s crowded roster. Alvarez reported that Tony Khan isn’t particularly interested in releasing a bunch of wrestlers early, but plenty of contracts could quietly expire instead.
So there may not be one giant AEW release day coming. But once October arrives, wrestlers who have spent months stuck near the bottom of the roster without giving the company a reason to invest further could simply reach the end of their deals and find out there isn’t another one waiting.
What do you think about AEW potentially letting more contracts expire later this year? Let us know in the comments.
