Published: Sep 4, 2026 by Connel Rumsey | Last Updated: Sep 4, 2026 by Connel Rumsey
Connel has over five years of wrestling journalism experience writing about some of the biggest stories from across the wrestling world. Being a fan for 20 years, Connel has an expansive knowledge from a wide range of various wrestling promotions, including WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA and Joshi.@connel1405
AEW
An AEW star has confirmed that they are not retired from in-ring competition following recent reports about their future.
Back in July, it was reported that AEW star Tay Melo had requested her release from the company last year, but her request was rejected by AEW, with her still remaining with the company to this day.
Tay returned to AEW television alongside Anna Jay back in May after six months away, with them most recently teaming on the June 6 episode of AEW Collision against Divine Dominion.
Shortly after the reports, AEW President Tony Khan spoke about Tay’s status, noting that she actually requested her release from the company following that tag team match against Divine Dominion, rather than the previously reported 2025.
Khan noted that he and Melo had a pleasant conversation, where she spoke about potentially taking a step away, with Khan ending by noting that he was going to grant Tay her release from the company that she requested.
Tay Melo Confirms She’s Not Retired
Earlier today, following the prior reports of Tay Melo telling Tony Khan she wanted to take a step back, a fan noticed that Tay no longer had any references to being a wrestler on her Instagram bio, believing this meant that Tay had quietly retired from the business.
Tay Melo would reply to clarify her status, simply saying:
Nope, I didn’t retire.
Tay Melo remains on the AEW roster page, so it seems as though she has not yet been released by the promotion.
We will provide any updates on her status as they become available.
More AEW Departures Coming Soon?
AEW has had an exciting time in the free agent market recently, with them bringing in major signings such as the New Level and the Motor City Machine Guns, as well as the potential upcoming arrival of Ilja Dragunov and Sheamus.
However, as more names come into the company, eventually they will need to start letting go of some of their lesser used talent as their contracts begin to expire.
The contracts of both Max Caster and Anthony Bowens are set to expire at the beginning of October, as well as the potential departure of Tay Melo following her release request.
It seems as though we could see a number of departures from All Elite Wrestling in the coming months.
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