Below are a couple of top AEW news stories of the day, featuring Tony Khan and Tony Chimel.
• Ricky Starks’ absence from AEW since the March 30, 2024 episode of Collision appears to stem from behind-the-scenes tension.
According to WrestlePurists, Starks has requested his release from All Elite Wrestling, but Tony Khan has reportedly denied the request. As a result, Starks has to wait out the remainder of his contract while maintaining his presence in the wrestling world through independent bookings:
“At the end of the day, things happened to where he’s on the outs with AEW right now. There’s a lot of things, most of it will never be reported. But ultimately there’s a falling out there, and it is what it is.
He’s asked for a release, Tony won’t give it to him, and he’s just going to wait out the rest of his deal. He’s going to stay relevant by working indy dates and good for him. I’m happy for him. That’s just gonna be the situation in the meantime.”
The specifics of the falling out remain unclear, but Starks’ decision to pursue independent dates suggests he’s determined to stay active and visible in the wrestling scene during this transitional period.
Below are Starks’ top accomplishments in AEW:
– 1x AEW World Tag Team Champion (with Big Bill)
– 1x FTW Champion
– 2023 Men’s Owen Hart Cup winner
WATCH: Traci Brooks’ Buns (Wife of Frankie Kazarian) Exposed In The Ring:
• Tony Chimel, the iconic WWE ring announcer known for his unique introduction of “The Rated-R Superstar” Edge, could be making an on-screen return in AEW.
According to Fightful Select, there have been pitches within All Elite Wrestling to bring Chimel back for an on-screen role, specifically to reintroduce Cope (Edge’s new name in AEW) in the same style that made him famous during their WWE days. However, there is no confirmation yet on whether this idea will be executed.
Chimel has been working behind the scenes in AEW in recent years, and his long-standing connection to Cope has fueled speculation among fans. His memorable voice crack during Edge’s WWE introductions became a fan-favorite quirk, with Chimel even returning for special appearances after Edge’s 2011 retirement.
Notably, Chimel made headlines last year when he criticized WWE for continuing to use his voice on their programming despite releasing him in 2020.
