AEW President Tony Khan addressed rumors regarding Britt Baker’s potential departure from the promotion during the recent AEW All In media call. Despite reports that the former AEW Women’s World Champion was seeking to part ways with AEW, Khan confirmed that he has not had any discussions with Baker about leaving the company. This clarification provides insight into her current standing amid widespread speculation.
Baker’s Recent Absence and Public Messages Spur Departure Rumors
Britt Baker has been absent from AEW television since November, leading to increased curiosity about her status. Fans and media noticed cryptic social media posts by Baker that some interpreted as signs of dissatisfaction with AEW. These developments fueled rumors that she was actively pursuing an exit. However, no official changes to her contract or status have been announced.
Khan Compares AEW’s Roster Management to Sports Teams
In explaining the situation, Tony Khan likened AEW’s approach to managing its roster to how professional sports teams handle players. He emphasized that although AEW features a strong, focused group of wrestlers regularly appearing on the show, many talented performers—both men and women—are currently not showcased but remain integral to future plans.
Khan remarked,
“I’ve never had a conversation about Britt departing AEW. I like Britt a lot. I think one thing we’ve done really well with AEW is build a tight focused show around a really strong roster, and it’s been very consistent.”
He elaborated on the nature of roster rotation, explaining that like baseball or basketball, only a limited number of wrestlers can be featured at one time.
AEW’s Strategy Avoids Overcrowding Weekly Shows
Khan highlighted AEW’s deliberate pacing in programming, avoiding forcing every roster member into weekly appearances. This strategy, he said, has resulted in well-paced, high-quality wrestling shows. He expressed optimism about reintegrating talents such as Britt Baker when the timing is appropriate, emphasizing that absence from a show does not equate to being sidelined permanently.
“There are some really talented people on our bench that we can call in that can be a great part of the show, and I absolutely think that applies to a number of women and men that are not necessarily being featured right now, that we could bring in that would be a great focus on the show as those spots open up and the timing is right to integrate different people into the show,”
Khan said.
Future Appearances of Britt Baker and Other Wrestlers Remain Possible
Khan compared the situation to sports substitutions, noting that just because a player isn’t a starter now does not prevent them from starting later. This perspective reflects AEW’s fluid roster management, intended to keep the show dynamic while maximizing talent exposure over time. He used Britt Baker as an example of a highly skilled performer who will be utilized when the opportunity fits.
“And we’ve done a really good job with the people we’re focusing on right now, but that doesn’t mean we can’t focus on other people or rotate different people into the show going forward.” —Tony Khan, AEW President
Significance of Khan’s Comments and Potential Next Steps
Tony Khan’s comments aim to quell rumors about Britt Baker’s departure, underscoring AEW’s commitment to retaining and eventually showcasing her talents. The explanation also sheds light on AEW’s broader roster strategy, where pacing and rotation are used to maintain a high standard of wrestling entertainment without overexposing any talent.
As AEW moves forward into 2025, fans can anticipate seeing Baker return once the timing and show structure permit. Khan’s remarks suggest that AEW plans to continue carefully balancing its roster, allowing for the reintegration of previously less-visible wrestlers while keeping the weekly shows compelling and fresh.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Tony Khan a billionaire?
A. According to Forbes, Shahid Khan, Tony Khan’s father, has over $12 billion in wealth. Tony Khan’s exact net worth isn’t publicly known, but reports suggest it’s about $1.5 billion due to owning AEW.
