Powerhouse Hobbs Issues Statement On Diversity Within AEW

Powerhouse Hobbs has shared another statement on diversity within AEW, following backlash surrounding the back-and-forth between Big Swole & Tony Khan.

During a recent edition of her Call In show, Big Swole noted that her decision to not re-sign with AEW was in part influenced by the lack of diversity within the promotion.

In response, Tony Khan took to Twitter with the names of several wrestlers of colour who had won matches in December, noting that he allowed Swole’s contract to expire because “her wrestling wasn’t good enough.”

Following backlash to Khan’s tweet, Lio Rush revealed that he and Khan have spoken more on the ‘racial insensitivity‘ issue behind closed doors. On Twitter, Powerhouse Hobbs shared his in-depth thoughts on the matter, and his experiences with the company as a black man.

Hobbs wrote:

“There is so much that goes into AEW that those online don’t see. It often flies under the radar that Tony and Megha are people of color, and having them in charge of AEW represents progress for pro wrestling. I see first-hand how hard they’re working to make wrestling more diverse.
“I want you all to know that I consider Tony and Megha family, and I’m disappointed to see their efforts dismissed. People have no idea the time and effort it takes to put shows on and to make AEW an open environment where people like me are seen and heard.”

“Tony works hand in hand with people of color on the roster all the time about their story ideas, input, matches, etc. Not every idea will work, but every idea is listened to and valued. My personal voice has been heard and I’ve had input for many of my opportunities. As a Black male, I plan on using my voice to do what I can to make sure that this company is diverse.

“I’m also very aware that diversity comes in many forms – Women, Black, Latinx, East Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian, LGBTQ+ and more. The more diversity, equity and inclusion we can build in wrestling, the more fans we can engage with, and the more fun we can all have together.

“AEW is a young company led by people of color heading in the right direction. I’m proud to be a part of that momentum, and I know my colleagues. Stand beside me when I say that.”

It is worth noting that most of the backlash relating to Khan’s response to Swole has been surrounding the disrespect shown to the former AEW name by the promotion’s President, and Khan’s lack of apology.

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• powerhouse hobbs
• Diversity
• tony khan
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