Jeff Jarrett AEW safety protocols have come under scrutiny following a high-risk move at World’s End, sparking renewed discussion among wrestling veterans and insiders about how All Elite Wrestling ensures the safety of its performers. The spotlight on AEW’s approach to keeping wrestlers protected comes as debates around dangerous maneuvers intensify within the wrestling community.
Risky Incident Renews Focus on Wrestler Safety Measures
All Elite Wrestling drew criticism after Kyle Fletcher received a straightjacket suplex from the top rope during World’s End. Landing hard on his neck, Fletcher continued the match but was ultimately defeated by Jon Moxley. This dramatic incident has fueled conversations about the prevalence of high-risk moves in the sport and the responsibilities of promotions towards their rosters.
The aftermath of this spot led to responses from respected names, including William Regal and Arn Anderson. William Regal’s opinions ignited conversation, drawing both support and skepticism from fellow wrestlers and fans alike. WWE Superstar Piper Niven publicly backed Regal, adding legitimacy to the concern from a different major promotion.
Former AEW World Champion Kenny Omega addressed these debates, highlighting the importance of constructive conversation while cautioning against turning the matter into a comparison of organizations. According to Omega, focusing on the central message is more important than fueling a rivalry between WWE and AEW supporters.
How AEW Implements Its Safety Protocols for Talent
On a recent episode of the My World podcast, Jeff Jarrett, who serves as AEW Director of Business Development, provided details about how the company operates with wrestler welfare in mind. Jarrett commended AEW President Tony Khan for his player-like care of the roster, likening it to a well-organized sports team.
“Like I said, you know, five to seven trainers at every show. When you come through the curtain, they are there with a little hydration bottle, and they are ‘How are you? How do you feel?’ Now it’s up to you to say ‘Ah, I need a little work,’ but whatever it may be, but that is–that’s the real special sauce, the preventive stuff if that makes sense.”
– Jeff Jarrett, AEW Director of Business Development
Jarrett went on to specify the procedures in place for responding to in-ring injuries and bumps:
“The AEW mindset is [the] doc at ringside, he’s got ultimate authority. Like if you have a bad bump and the referee thinks it’s enough and you see him with the gloves if blood’s involved, but there’s a bad bump and all that, you know, the doc is there on headsets, and he can roll in and make the call, which is paramount to me.”
– Jeff Jarrett, AEW Director of Business Development
These policies are highlighted as evidence that AEW prioritizes proactive care, from having multiple trainers available at events to empowering ringside physicians and referees to intervene whenever necessary. Trainers, referees, and medical staff all contribute to an overall approach emphasizing immediate reaction and athlete feedback.
The Ongoing Debate and Its Broader Meaning for Wrestling
As scrutiny on wrestling safety continues, Jarrett’s perspective serves to explain AEW’s framework for protecting performers. Key figures such as Tony Khan remain central to these processes, reinforcing a model built on medical presence and trusted decision-making at ringside.
With cases like Kyle Fletcher’s recent injury stirring opinions from veterans, WWE talent, and AEW insiders alike, the conversation around ring safety is unlikely to subside soon. The robust measures outlined by Jeff Jarrett reflect attempts by AEW to balance entertainment with the health of its athletes, ensuring the company can persistently evolve in response to concerns from fans, industry experts, and wrestlers themselves.
