• Recent Allegations Against AEW Are Reportedly True
Former AEW coach Sarah Stock recently took aim at her former employer, criticizing the company’s management, handling of talent, and backstage policies, particularly regarding female and international wrestlers.
Stock claimed that AEW’s HR and mental health systems were mishandled, alleging that decisions put performers at risk and that executives prioritized profits over the well-being of talent. She questioned the removal of a qualified mental health team, highlighting a lack of transparency around how wrestlers’ mental health concerns are addressed.
The former coach also criticized travel arrangements for talent, pointing out that male wrestlers like Adam Copeland and Orange Cassidy routinely received airport pickups, while international and female wrestlers were often left to navigate airports and local logistics on their own.
This claim was backed by WWE Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer, who worked with AEW for a short period in 2024.
Stock also suggested that some executives blamed performers for requesting additional support, framing the company’s policies as inconsistent and unfair. She argued that these practices negatively affect safety, morale, and the overall backstage environment.
According to Fightful Select, Stock’s comments have become a major talking point within AEW over the past week, with some sources acknowledging that certain elements, such as travel arrangements for foreign talent, are accurate.
The report noted that some wrestlers have airport pickups included in their contracts, while others are expected to handle their own travel and seek reimbursement afterwards. Stock connected this policy directly to the struggles faced by Mexican and other international female wrestlers.
AEW has not responded to Stock’s claims yet.
• Rikishi Slams WWE’s Recent Booking
The Last Time Is Now Tournament semi-finals saw GUNTHER defeat Solo Sikoa, while LA Knight overcame Jey Uso to advance to the finals.
GUNTHER would go on to win the tournament and eventually retire John Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Speaking on his Off The Top podcast, Rikishi shared his thoughts on the match between his son Solo and GUNTHER, both in terms of in-ring performance and WWE’s booking choices.
The match, which was well received by fans, earned Rikishi’s praise too.
“The match between GUNTHER and Solo not having a program, I thought it was an A+ match. It’s very difficult for two heels to go out there… for me to be able to see my son go out there and test his skills against another heel, it made me proud that they figured it out.”
Despite his praise, the WWE Hall of Famer questioned the reasoning behind Solo’s placement in the match.
“If you’re gonna ask me, I’m gonna tell you. Number one, why? Number two, was there not anybody else? Because now you bring a guy who’s got momentum and then when you book him on certain matches, you just throw him in there just for the sake of putting somebody else to go to the next level.”
