Tony Khan overturns 14-year Beast Mortos ban, allowing the wrestler to compete again in Arena Mexico—a decision that is set to reshape both AEW and Mexican wrestling. The AEW president’s move came ahead of Dynamite Grand Slam Mexico, highlighting his willingness to bridge historic divides between rival promotions.
Background of Beast Mortos’ Ban and Return
Beast Mortos, recently noted for his relationship with Mercedes Mone, made a high-profile appearance at AEW’s Dynamite Grand Slam Mexico, participating in a ten-man tag-team contest. This marked a significant shift, as his last bout in Arena Mexico was in 2008 when he performed as Semental. Mortos was previously affiliated with CMLL for around three years before departing for Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, whose intense rivalry with CMLL had led to Mortos receiving a lengthy ban from the iconic venue.
Khan’s intervention was prompted by the absence of Cash Wheeler and Claudio Castagnoli, both of whom were unavailable for the major event. Reports from Fightful Espanol indicate that Khan met with CMLL CEO Salvador Lutteroth Lomeli and formally requested the suspension be lifted so Mortos could take part in the match. Lomeli and CMLL officials responded positively, granting Mortos’ return after so many years away.
Positive Reactions Highlight Tony Khan’s Reputation
Khan’s role in facilitating Mortos’ participation has been viewed as emblematic of his broader approach to leadership within AEW. Reflecting on Khan’s stewardship, WWE veteran Rhino shared his thoughts on the Whip Show Podcast, underlining how much Khan values both the organization and its wrestlers. Rhino observed Khan’s actions behind the scenes, noting his compassion and effort in supporting talent both on and off the stage.
“One of the things that I really love about AEW and Tony Khan is not only his passion for wrestling and the direction that he’s taken All Elite Wrestling, but how he really really cares about the talent, you know? And how I’ve seen him take care of some families and stuff and he didn’t have to. It’s just one of those things, I actually seen him in the locker room at TNA when Christian Cage came over to wrestle and I actually told him, ‘Man, that speaks a lot about your character.’ If you care about your employees, at the end of the day, that’s what we are.”
—Rhino, WWE veteran
Looking Ahead: AEW’s Influence Across Wrestling Lines
The decision to allow Beast Mortos back into Arena Mexico not only marks the end of a long-standing exclusion but also signals a willingness for international promotions like AEW, CMLL, and Lucha Libre AAA to navigate old rivalries. With AEW’s willingness to engage with leaders such as Salvador Lutteroth Lomeli, new opportunities may arise for wrestlers from all organizations to collaborate and compete on unique stages. Figures like Claudio Castagnoli, Cash Wheeler, and Mercedes Mone remain central to these cross-promotional efforts, as organizations seek to expand their reach and impact.
As AEW, under Tony Khan’s leadership, continues to rewrite the rules of international wrestling partnerships, both fans and industry insiders are watching to see how these changes affect future events and the careers of wrestlers like Beast Mortos. The ripple effects of this decision may help foster more cooperation across wrestling’s longstanding divides, influencing how events are planned in arenas from Mexico to Jacksonville and beyond.
