AEW Star Didn’t Want To Lose Before Overdue Exit

Creative differences may have played a part in one AEW star’s exit from the company as it seemed he did not want to lose any matches.

Tony Khan has wielded the axe on the AEW roster as three wantaway stars have finally been given their release from the company. Malakai Black’s contract has been allowed to expire bringing an end to his tumultuous time in the company.

Miro and Ricky Starks have been released by the company with neither man being seen in the company for a long time. But questions have been raised over the timing of these exits as well as what it means for Rey Fenix who has also made clear that he wants to leave.

Speaking about the situation on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer gave more insight into the releases and noted creative differences hampered at least one star’s AEW career as they did not want to lose:

Malakai Black, I think his contract expired. Ricky Starks and Miro were both released. Obviously they hadn’t been using any of the 3 for a variety of reasons. Largely because they were leaving and you know, if someone’s gonna leave, Tony’s not gonna use them.

But he was paying them and I guess the idea is – I didn’t get any reason why this happened now compared to months ago because he hasn’t used these guys in forever. Miro hasn’t been used since 2023, and he was hurt before that. He was hurt, when he came back they had creative differences and they just didn’t use him…He didn’t wanna lose.

Ricky, inevitably he’s going to WWE and they figured if you’re gonna go, we’re not going to use you.

Rey Fenix Still Employed By AEW

Questions had been asked over the status of Rey Fenix who seems to be on his way out of the company as well. Fenix’s brother Penta has joined WWE and Fenix has made clear he intends to join him. Tony Khan has added time to Fenix’s AEW deal, however, due to time missed and it seems he’s still part of Khan’s company for now:

[Rey] Fenix was not released, at least not as of this afternoon. I don’t know what makes Fenix different from the other two, I can’t give you a good answer.

Meltzer went on to note that he is certain Malakai Black and Ricky Starks are heading to WWE and while not certain, he expects Miro to do the same.

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