Brett Lauderdale, the owner of GCW (Game Changer Wrestling), recently discussed the evolving landscape of AEW talent working indie shows for promotions like GCW, on ‘The Business of the Business’ podcast.
He expressed uncertainty about AEW’s official policy in this regard, noting that it appears to be a case-by-case basis, while also explaining that there are varying situations within AEW, with some talent able to make independent appearances more freely, while others may have to seek permission or navigate different expectations.
Lauderdale stated,
“As far as AEW talent goes, and AEW’s policy, I still to this day don’t know what it is. It seems to be ever changing, but also it never changes. So I think everybody’s still literally on a case-by-case basis. There are certain talent in AEW that can kind of call their shots and do what they want, and there are others that aren’t in a position to do that. I guess some people have to ask for permission, some people don’t, some people are supposed to but don’t, and then do it anyways. I don’t know. The policy…I just don’t know.”
He emphasized that he has not received official communication from AEW about their policy, and the situation remains fluid.
“Nobody from AEW has ever said anything to me. So it’s the same deal for us. We know what we hear, but we hear something one day, and then the next day it’s another deal. So I really don’t know and I can’t speak on that because everybody that’s tried to speak on this in the past has been wrong. I know that DEFY has a certain special relationship with AEW, and there’s reasons behind that. But I do know, it does seem like there’s been a slight tempering down in the number of AEW talent out there, but then at the same time, I’m seeing new guys making the rounds, big names. So again, who knows? I don’t know what the deal is.”
Lauderdale’s comments underscored the complexities surrounding AEW talent’s appearances on independent wrestling shows and the lack of a clear, consistent policy in place.
(h/t Fightful)