Big Swole called out AEW for a lack of diversity and Tony Khan was not happy. Now, many in the company are taking sides.
Big Swole Slams AEW For Lack Of Diversity
Over the past 24 hours, the entire world has rung in a new year. While people were partying, AEW found themselves in an awkward situation.
During the “Swole World” show, Big Swole talked about her reason for leaving AEW in November. Specifically, she called the company out for a lack of diversity.
“Outside of [lack of structure] their biggest issue, which is diversity,” said Swole. “I do not beat around the bush when it comes to diversity and my people.”
“There is no representation, truly, and when there is, it does not come across in the black community as genuine at all. I don’t know why everybody is so afraid to accept it or say it, but it’s not a good look.”
“What happens is, you have this wonderful company that treats people like family. But there is nobody that looks like me, that is represented at the top and in the room with them.”
“They are not helping to necessarily influence decisions, but to explain why certain slang and certain word shouldn’t be said. There is no one else who can explain our culture and experience except for us.”
Very quickly, her comments got people talking. AEW President Tony Khan was not having any of it. He responded to her claim in a tweet and noted she was let go because her wrestling was not on par.
The top 2 @AEW execs are brown (me & Megha)!! Jade, Bowens, Caster, Dante, Nyla, Isiah & Marq Quen all won on tv this month. The TBS Title Tournament has been very diverse. I let Swole’s contract expire as I felt her wrestling wasn’t good enough. #AEWRampage Street Fight TONIGHT! https://t.co/NprF6I7D6G
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) January 1, 2022
Tony Khan & More Reply On Diversity Claim By Big Swole
Source: @WrestlingNewsCo, Twitter, Screenshot
For the most part, people seemed to side with Tony Khan. Although, Lio Rush was not one of them.
Im not cool with any of this shit to be honest.
— Lio Rush (@IamLioRush) January 1, 2022
If nobody says something, then I will. Because this is fucked up and now I’m pissed.
— Lio Rush (@IamLioRush) January 1, 2022
— Lio Rush (@IamLioRush) January 1, 2022
Rush is known to anger people in the past, so he might not be around AEW for much longer. Also, Darius Lockhart expressed his disappointment with AEW.
It takes more than meeting a quota. It takes more than predetermined wins that you can count off in a single tweet.
Your tactless response to Swole’s valid critiques have now shown us all what you truly think (or don’t think) about us as a community when we voice our concerns.
— “The Revolutionary” Darius Lockhart (@DLockPro) January 1, 2022
Meanwhile, several AEW wrestlers defended Khan.
Shawn Dean @AEW Extras Coordinator…my official title in #AEW behind the scenes, a black male in the office, giving as many opportunities to minority talents as I can every single week.
On the community team…raising awareness for inner city kids any chance I get…
— Capt. Shawn Dean (@ShawnDean773) January 1, 2022
— PowerHouse HOBBS (@TrueWillieHobbs) January 1, 2022
“That Bitch” Jade Cargill’s 2021 Pro Wrestling Recap & Highlights:
-No prior pro wrestling experience. Trusted in the upstart company over a well known one .
-Once in a lifetime high profile in-ring debut with @Shaq and @CodyRhodes.
— Jade Cargill (@Jade_Cargill) January 1, 2022
