Former WWE Free Agents Blamed for Changing AEW’s Locker Room Atmosphere

Marko Stunt might be out of wrestling and into selling cars these days, but he’s still giving fans a peek behind the curtain at how AEW’s locker room changed after a wave of former WWE stars joined the company.

During a new interview on Busted Open Radio, Stunt agreed that the early AEW locker room had unmatched chemistry—something he feels started to fade once big-name WWE free agents came in.

“When AEW first started, I mean, everybody…99% of the locker room were buddies,” Stunt said. “We were all hanging out after the shows, we were all hanging out backstage… there was no discourse in the beginning at all, that I can remember. I mean, you had your little bouts that are normal in life, but I mean… just the atmosphere was so cool to be a part of.”

That all began to change as AEW’s roster filled up with former WWE talent, many of whom brought different attitudes and egos to the mix. While Stunt didn’t call out any names, his tone made it clear that the vibe wasn’t what it once was.

He also took a moment to reflect on his early AEW days, crediting Tony Khan for personally supporting him during one of the hardest times of his life.

“He treated me amazingly… we did that first pandemic taping at the Nightmare Factory, and my grandma had actually just passed away, like the day before I went out there. And Tony helped me out with a bunch of stuff while I was there… he was very caring, took care of me. He got me in and out, so I could go back and be with my family for the funeral.”

Stunt may have moved on from wrestling, but his comments echo what other AEW originals have quietly said—the locker room camaraderie that once defined the company shifted as more outside stars joined the roster.