In a curious twist we didn’t see coming, AEW drew a legal line in the sand before August 24’s AEW Dynamite when Tony Kahn met with AEW management with the talent before the show. PWInsider reported on it and they shared the highlights of the meeting.
Tony shared the news that new systems have been put into place that expands talent relations and development that will make things better for the talent.
Chris Jericho and AEW Accuse WWE of Tampering
This could be in answer to reports of unrest backstage as it’ll give the wrestlers someone they can go to if they have problems and need assistance, which should help improve things overall.
Showing that he cares, Tony was reported as being “very animated and Impassioned” when he pointed out AEW is part of a business that has been dominated by the WWE, and his goal is to add things that make it better for the talent.
But there was more than just talking about new programs and a rah rah speech to the meeting.
It was announced that AEW’s Chief Legal Officer Megha Parek sent a email to the WWE Co-CEOs Stephanie McMahon and Nick Kahn warning them and other WWE officials not to “tamper” with AEW wrestlers.
It was also reported that Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, Matt Jackson, and Tony Schiavone spoke, but nothing has been shared as of this writing about what they talked about.
There is a chance it had to do with the tampering allegations.
Hmmm…well Some higher ups want that to happen sooner than later! #tampering https://t.co/PD8kMGgyJq
— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) August 24, 2022
Jericho hints at tampering
While Dave Meltzer has reported that numerous AEW talents were contacted by the WWE and at least one claimed to be unhappy with their current situation, one of the company’s top talents took to social media to share his thoughts.
Chris Jericho hinted that he may have been one that was approached. He responded to a fan tweeting, “Need a Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn & Chris Jericho faction. Make it happen Y2J!!!”
To which Jericho replied, “Hmmm…well Some higher ups want that to happen sooner than later! #tampering”
The use of the tampering hashtag gave many the indication that he was the one the WWE reached out to last week about returning, and Jericho’s known for speaking out.
To be fair, for it to be tampering the contact generally has to try to do something to break the contract like encouraging the individual to breech their contract, quit, or ask for release among other things.
Did the WWE do any of that or were they simply gauging the willingness to return and that was viewed by the parties as tampering? It could’ve been to check when their contracts ended as well so they could plan ahead.
This could also be Jericho and AEW doing what Vince McMahon did so well during the Monday Night War by playing the victim and accusing WCW of everything under the sun when they lost talent.
Could this be laying the groundwork for a talent exodus now that Triple H is in charge of WWE or is it a legitimate claim? Let us know what you think in the comment below.
There are plenty of moving part in this and we’ll keep you updated if any more allegations come out.
SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get The Overtimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!
