Debate over Tony Khan comments on Scorpio Sky AEW absence intensified this week as Vince Russo, former WWE writer, harshly criticized how AEW has handled Scorpio Sky’s contract status. With Sky absent from AEW programming since August 2024 despite being healthy, questions are mounting about why the promotion is keeping him sidelined and under contract.
Vince Russo Criticizes AEW’s Handling of Scorpio Sky
Scorpio Sky, once a prominent TNT Champion, has not appeared on AEW television since his last backstage segment alongside Private Party on Rampage in August 2024. Although he remains in top physical condition, AEW Creative has left him without a storyline or role, contributing to his nearly year-long absence.
After AEW Double or Nothing 2025, Tony Khan addressed questions regarding Sky in the event’s post-show press conference. Khan stated that he holds Sky in high regard, has been engaged in recent conversations with him, but ultimately decided the timing was not right for his return and plans to wait for a more suitable moment to reintroduce him to AEW programming.
Vince Russo, known for his outspoken views, openly challenged Khan’s logic on his program, The Brand with Al Snow and Jeff Lane. The WWE veteran voiced skepticism about the decision to retain talent without any concrete creative plans, underscoring financial and strategic concerns for the company.
“If you have got somebody under contract, you use them. If you are not going to use them, they should not be under contract. You got the guy under you, you’re paying the guy until the time is right? I mean, Al, am I right or wrong? This is dollars and cents,”
Russo said. —Vince Russo, Former WWE Writer
There had reportedly been a creative idea to feature Sky with Private Party in an ongoing storyline, but those plans did not move forward, leaving fans still waiting for his return. At present, there is no official word on when or if Scorpio Sky will reappear in AEW.
Rumors Swirl Around Shane McMahon and AEW
In related wrestling news, speculation erupted last July about Shane McMahon possibly moving to AEW. He is one of the most recognizable figures in wrestling due to his long-standing ties with WWE, and images of him meeting privately with Tony Khan quickly went viral, fueling rumors of a potential role within AEW’s creative team.
Recently, Shane McMahon addressed these rumors during an interview with TMZ. He acknowledged past meetings with AEW officials, expressed his well wishes for the company, but made it clear that AEW is not the entity he helped to establish. This statement greatly lessened the likelihood of an imminent move, though Shane emphasized that the unpredictability of the wrestling industry leaves room for change down the line.
Shane McMahon has remained out of the wrestling world since departing WWE in June 2024. As speculation continues, fans and industry observers alike are left wondering whether he might make a comeback in some promotion, potentially even alongside Tony Khan, should the circumstances dramatically shift.
This ongoing uncertainty around both Scorpio Sky’s future with AEW and rumors of new leadership such as Shane McMahon highlights persistent frustrations and tension among fans and experts alike. For now, the pro wrestling world is watching closely for any developments regarding Tony Khan’s decisions and AEW’s evolving roster dynamics.
