News

AEW Original Announces Departure

By Lyle Kilbane • Published 2nd May 2023
AEW

AEW is saying goodbye to one of the original members of the company’s roster as Leva Bates announces she’s departing after her contract expired.

Bates was part of the build-up to AEW featured on Being The Elite which saw her and Peter Avalon compete over the character of The Librarian. She also competed for the company but last appeared on Dynamite back in March 2020 and mainly featured on Dark and Elevation. However, she was also involved behind the scenes in the company, particularly with AEW Heels.

Taking to social media, Leva Bates announced her exit from the company after four years:

“As of today, my contract with AEW has expired. The last four years have been quite a ride; I’ve learned so much and grown exponentially. I’ve seen wrestling history take place as someone who was on the team since before the first show. I appreciate & love all the crew, staff and talent; I will cherish all our memories together.

“I’ve given my time, my focus, and my effort to the company, but now I’ve got to focus on myself, my future and my career. I hope you all, my friends, fans and loved ones, stay with me through this next chapter of my journey. I hope to make you all proud no matter where I go.”

Prior to her time in AEW, Leva Bates is probably best known for her run in NXT where she was known simply as Blue Pants and was in the corner of The Vaudevillains when they won the NXT Tag Team Championship from Blake and Murphy at TakeOver Brooklyn in August 2015.