Below are a couple of top news stories of the day, featuring AEW and Sabu.
• New AEW Signing Is Well Liked Backstage
Kevin Knight’s arrival in AEW surprised many fans, but the company had been working hard to sign him.
Fightful Select reported that Knight is “well liked” backstage, and AEW is happy he signed with them. The report added, “They expected to have plenty of competition when working to sign him and were very happy to land him.”
Tony Khan and Rocky Romero reportedly met with Kevin Knight to discuss AEW’s relationship with NJPW, which helped convince him to choose AEW over WWE, TNA, and MLW.
Knight’s NJPW contract ended in January during Wrestle Kingdom week, drawing significant interest from WWE. A WWE Performance Center staffer said, “I’m not sure what more they needed to see. He wrestled in New Japan, CMLL, AEW, Ring of Honor, MLW, and TNA. There are looks at this guy on every other stage but ours.”
Despite WWE’s interest, Knight debuted for AEW on the March 29 episode of AEW Collision against Jay White.
• Accusations Of GCW Drugging Sabu Before Final Match – Joey Janela Responds
A heated exchange has erupted online following the passing of ECW Legend Sabu at the age of 60. The controversy stems from his final match against Joey Janela at GCW Spring Break 9 on April 18.
A fan on Twitter accused Janela and GCW promoter Brett Lauderdale of allowing Sabu to wrestle while under the influence of kratom. The fan’s tweet stated, “So GCW/Brett drugged Sabu knowing he was unable to wrestle that night or at least having issues in the name of making 2,000 fans happy rather than prioritizing a f***** old retired legend’s health. I’m SO f****** disappointed to ever support GCW and buy tickets to their shows.”
Joey Janela quickly responded to these allegations. He denied that GCW provided Sabu with kratom, stating, “We didn’t give him kratom, his team did, it’s also not illegal and 85% of professional wrestlers do it especially the ones on TV. So f**k you. Sabu was a grown man, he did what he had to do to get out there. I took care of him to the best of my ability, I didn’t think what happened halfway through would happen.”
Janela insisted that Sabu made his own decisions and that the match was intended to honor Sabu with a final appearance and a significant payday. He added, “That night wasn’t about me, it was about Sabu and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
The fan continued to press Janela, urging him to take responsibility. “So your excuse for letting a drugged up legend who couldn’t walk go out was ‘he was a grown man.’ Joey I love you but please just take the blame and say sorry for this s*** man. F*** the ‘spotlight,’ his health comes first.”
Joey Janela’s blunt reply was, “Kiss my a$$.” The fan suggested Janela apologize to Sabu’s family and fans, saying that Sabu’s well-being should have been the priority.
Janela remained defiant, responding, “Sorry to who? You? F**k you lol.” When the fan reiterated the suggestion to apologize to Sabu’s family & fans, Janela doubled down, stating, “Sabu’s friends and family are over the moon for what we did for him, once again f**k you and kiss my a$$.”
Also Read: Update On Sabu’s Physical & Mental Health Before Death
