AEW is understood for having locker room points all through its five-year historical past.
Virtually 12 months in the past, CM Punk made headlines for a reported bodily altercation with Jack Perry at “All-In” in Wembley Stadium. Each Punk and Perry had been suspended, with the previous being launched from his deal and Perry lacking 10 months of tv time.
Not too long ago, Britt Baker was suspended as a consequence of a reported backstage argument involving MJF and Alicia Atout, as soon as once more bringing AEW’s locker room concord into query.
Throughout a current episode of his “Hall of Fame” podcast, Booker T shared his perception that AEW ought to start handing out harsher punishments when backstage points happen.
“Suspensions can work, I believe,” Booker T stated. “However my factor is that this: they’re gonna have to begin firing some individuals sooner. That’s one factor I haven’t heard so far as AEW. I’ve heard a few individuals acquired let go, however I haven’t heard anyone that has been, simply say, fired … Punk can be the one one. And that proper there says lots. That claims a complete lot … (he was) the most well-liked star that that they had within the firm.”
Outdoors of the problem between Baker and MJF, AEW’s locker room has lately been drama-free. Little or no has made it out into the general public since Punk’s departure.
However, when these tales do floor, they harm the corporate’s model. AEW is already combating an uphill battle to stay relevant within the face of WWE’s current explosion in reputation.
As such, Booker T’s suggestion might not work. Whereas the danger of being fired might restrict any confrontations backstage, the optics of releasing expertise harm AEW final yr. As an alternative, Tony Khan should discover a center floor or at the very least have a stronger code of conduct in place that every one workers members should signal and cling to.
AEW is at the moment negotiating new tv rights with Warner Brothers Discovery. It might’t afford any major drama to derail these negotiations or doubtlessly danger the way forward for the corporate. Nonetheless, it can also’t afford to let the expertise run backstage. As such, Khan may have a troublesome balancing act till he decides how one can implement a good however stringent disciplinary process.
