With reports that the investigation into CM Punk's backstage altercation with members of The Elite might be coming to a close and other reports that AEW might be working on a buyout of Punk's contract, there's still a ton of speculation as to what the root of the problem is in AEW. Why is it that the talent can't seem to get along and why are wrestlers airing their dirty laundry on Twitter and other public platforms?
Current AEW star and someone who has often been in the middle of other issues with fellow wrestlers, Eddie Kingston noted there's a simple explanation for all the infighting. During his appearance on the Eat, Sleep, Podcast, Repeat! podcast, Kingston said it's the backstage mentality of many of the performers in AEW that is an issue. Everyone knows there are egos in wrestling, but he said it's more than that. Kingston noted, “It’s real simple. You’ve got a lot of people back there with egos. Some people believe other people don’t deserve to be in AEW, other people do believe they deserve to be in AEW." He added, "So when you’ve got a bunch of guys – men and women- who don’t know how to use their words? [chuckles] Things are gonna happen in the back."
It's an intriguing take because it suggests that AEW is filling its roster with one of two kinds of wrestlers: entitled talent who believe they should be given a spot on the roster either because they were there at the start or wrestlers who see themselves as bigger names and view others on the roster as lesser talents who aren't worthy of being part of a promotion. It doesn't sound like a healthy environment.
Who Is To Blame Here?
If Kingston is correct in his assessment of the roster, who is responsible and how does AEW fix the problem? Is this on Tony Khan for bringing in so many wrestlers on new contracts? Is it on the wrestlers for feeling a sense of entitlement and not putting their best foot forward to stay relevant on a weekly basis? Is there no leadership helping build a sense of community? Something has to give because it sounds like something a lot more serious than just a few egos clashing.
h/t to ringsidenews for the quotes
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