AEW: Talent Relations Process Update, New Trademarks, Dark Elevation Results

Jul 26, 2022

Update on AEW’s Current Talent Relations Process

As noted before, Jonathan Gresham recently requested his release from AEW and Ring of Honor. One of the causes for his request involved Gresham’s issues with the recent lack of communication between him and ROH owner Khan. This was a similar situation several former AEW talents, such as Marko Stunt and Joey Janela, mentioned in the past as an issue during their time in the company.

Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that AEW’s current Talent Relations process typically starts with a talent approaching a member of AEW’s coaching team, which is seen as the preferred way within the company. It was reported that anything related to booking would then be passed onto AEW CEO Tony Khan, who then determines if the dozens of ideas passed onto him fit with his current booking plans. Khan reportedly then sends back his answers to talent.

It was reported that QT Marshall, Pat Buck, Sonjay Dutt, Head of Talent Relations Christopher Daniels, and AEW executive Megha Parekh are also involved in the first step of this process. Khan reportedly is usually in contact with Dutt and Parekh “at least ten times” daily.

In regards to Khan talking directly to talent, it was reported that while this occurred countless times in the past due to AEW being based at Daily’s Place during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, this has declined in frequency in recent times. It was reported that the main reason is due to AEW’s return to touring and traveling which has led to less direct accessibility for talent and less free time for Khan.

Following Fightful’s report, Janela commented on Twitter putting the blame more on AEW’s talent relations department instead of Khan for AEW’s communication issues with their talent.

It’s really not Tony’s job it’s talent relations, I’m sure if I texted Tony I would’ve got a text back or a phone call but I wasn’t really trying to push a new deal with other negotiations in place.

Communication could definitely be better never said tony was a “ghost” https://t.co/gvOi8yjQqM
— “The Bad Boy” Joey Janela (@JANELABABY) July 24, 2022

AEW Files Several New Trademarks

AEW recently filed several new trademarks to the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

Trademarks for “Blackpool Combat Club” and Blackpool Combat Club logo were filed on July 20th for wrestling and entertainment-related purposes.

AEW Dark Elevation Results – July 25, 2022

July 25, 2022
Duluth, GA – Gas South Arena
Commentary: Excalibur, Caprice Coleman, and Mark Henry

AEW Dark Elevation Quick Match Results:

Angelico & Private Party (Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen) defeated Adrian Alanis, AR Fox, & Liam Gray via Navarro Death Roll (submission)
Marina Shafir & Nyla Rose defeated Angelica Risk & Shalonce Royal via Big Boot & Spinebuster (pinfall)
Toni Storm defeated Emi Sakura via Pendulum DDT (pinfall)
Kris Statlander defeated Brittany via Night Fever (pinfall)
Hikaru Shida defeated Robyn Renegade via Falcon Arrow (pinfall)
Dark Order (Evil Uno & 10) defeated The Factory (Aaron Solo & Nick Comoroto) via Discus Lariat (pinfall)
Baron Black defeated Brandon Cutler via Roll-up (pinfall)
Konosuke Takeshita defeated JD Drake via Leaping Knee Strike (pinfall)