John Morrison, known as Johnny TV in the wrestling world, has voiced his frustrations regarding his current situation in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Since joining AEW in 2022, Morrison has participated in 31 matches for AEW and 26 for Ring of Honor (ROH). However, only a portion of those were singles matches, with 13 for AEW and 14 for ROH combined. His candid remarks shed light on his feelings of being underutilized within the promotion.
Feeling “Off The Island”: Morrison’s Perspective on AEW’s Roster Dynamics
During an episode of Insight with Chris Van Vliet, Morrison described how he considers himself somewhat disconnected from the core group of AEW talent. He explained that only a limited number of wrestlers receive significant television exposure, referring to them as being “on the island.” In contrast, Morrison feels excluded from this privileged circle.
“I am kind of just being off or feeling unfulfilled, basically. Not just me, a lot of people in wrestling but for me right now, in AEW, I feel underutilized. Can’t blame anyone. That’s just how wrestling promotions work. There’s only enough TV time for a certain amount of people. Those people at AEW, we’ve coined the term: The Island. ‘Those people are on the island,’ so to speak,”
he said. ?John Morrison, Wrestler
Morrison admitted that he does not currently feel that he has Tony Khan’s direct attention or involvement in his booking, though he expressed appreciation for opportunities outside AEW, such as his recent trip to Mexico’s Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL). There, Morrison was able to push his creative and wrestling skills otherwise limited in AEW.
“I don’t feel like I’m on the island with Tony [Khan] or AEW right now. So, because of that I feel like I’m doing like 10-20 percent of what I’m capable of, storytelling-wise, wrestling-wise, in the ring. With CMLL, I’m on their island and so I got to do everything that I could and it was cool,”
he noted. ?John Morrison, Wrestler
The Hair vs. Hair Match and Personal Reflections
Morrison recently took part in a Hair versus Hair match against Angel de Oro while working with CMLL, which resulted in his head being shaved. He shared his initial apprehensions about how he would look bald, revealing a lighter side to his serious reflections.
“Everyone’s worry if they get their head shaved is…What if I have a weird shaved head? Everyone’s head is a little bit weird but mine isn’t bad,”
he joked.
“Actually, my acting coach has been on me for years about shaving my head. I had a bunch of missed calls when I got back from Mexico. It was all him asking me to take some photos. You can go out for cop roles, soldier roles, all sorts of roles. The world is your oyster now! Come on!”
said Morrison chuckling. ?John Morrison, Wrestler
Unrealized Matches and Lucha Libre’s Cultural Significance
Among Morrison’s AEW aspirations was a mask versus hair match with Rey Fenix, a bout that holds particular cultural importance in Lucha Libre. Unfortunately, that match never came together due to timing and booking circumstances. Morrison emphasized that such stipulations carry greater weight in Mexican wrestling traditions than elsewhere.
“I felt like the significance down there is more important than other places,”
he said. ?John Morrison, Wrestler
What Morrison’s Comments Mean for His Wrestling Career Ahead
Johnny TV’s openness about his AEW frustrations highlights the competitive nature of wrestling promotions and the challenge many performers face in securing meaningful storylines and television time. Despite feeling sidelined in AEW, Morrison’s positive experience in CMLL and willingness to diversify his career, including acting, may suggest new directions ahead.
His remarks also draw attention to the storytelling potential lost when talented wrestlers feel overlooked. Fans and industry observers may watch closely to see if AEW adjusts its creative plans or if Morrison pursues further opportunities outside the promotion to showcase his abilities fully.
