During an interview with TVInsider.com, AEW President Tony Khan was asked about Kevin Kelly’s reported departure from the company.
Kelly joined AEW last June as the lead play-by-play announcer for the Collision program on TNT alongside Nigel McGuinness. Tony Schiavone later joined the booth as well.
Kelly was absent from the recent AEW Revolution pay-per-view event and last Thursday’s Collision TV tapings. He recently mentioned on Twitter that he felt “libeled” by someone named Ian, possibly Ian Riccaboni, and expressed frustration about not being utilized more.
According to a report from Wade Keller of PWTorch, Kelly has been released by AEW. The report states that his social media posts, in which he accused Riccaboni of sabotaging his career and engaging in libel, ultimately led to his departure from the promotion.
Khan said, “I prefer not to comment on that, but I appreciate you asking.”
In a recent interview with TVInsider.com, AEW President Tony Khan was asked about the reported departure of Kevin Kelly from the company. Kelly had joined AEW last June as the lead play-by-play announcer for the Collision program on TNT, working alongside Nigel McGuinness. Tony Schiavone later joined the booth as well.
However, Kelly was noticeably absent from the recent AEW Revolution pay-per-view event and last Thursday’s Collision TV tapings. He took to Twitter to express his frustration, mentioning feeling “libeled” by someone named Ian, possibly referring to Ian Riccaboni. Kelly also expressed disappointment about not being utilized more by the company.
According to a report from Wade Keller of PWTorch, Kelly has been released by AEW. The report suggests that his social media posts, specifically accusing Riccaboni of sabotaging his career and engaging in libel, ultimately led to his departure from the promotion.
When asked about Kelly’s departure, Tony Khan chose not to comment directly on the situation but expressed appreciation for the question.
Kevin Kelly’s departure from AEW raises questions about the dynamics within the company and the potential conflicts that may arise between talent. While it is unclear what exactly transpired between Kelly and Riccaboni, it highlights the importance of maintaining professionalism and resolving conflicts in a constructive manner.
AEW has been gaining significant traction in the world of professional wrestling since its inception in 2019. With a focus on providing an alternative to WWE, AEW has garnered a loyal fanbase and signed several high-profile talents. The company has also made strides in diversifying its roster and promoting inclusivity in the industry.
As with any growing organization, AEW will inevitably face challenges and personnel changes. The departure of Kevin Kelly is a reminder that even successful ventures encounter obstacles along the way. It remains to be seen how AEW will address this situation and potentially fill the void left by Kelly’s departure.
In the world of professional wrestling, commentators play a crucial role in enhancing the viewing experience for fans. Their commentary adds depth and context to the matches, helping to tell the story being portrayed in the ring. A talented play-by-play announcer like Kevin Kelly can greatly contribute to the overall presentation of a wrestling show.
While AEW has not yet announced a replacement for Kelly, it will be interesting to see who they bring in to fill his shoes. The company has shown a willingness to experiment and bring in fresh voices, as evidenced by the addition of Tony Schiavone to the commentary team. Whoever takes over as the lead play-by-play announcer for AEW will have big shoes to fill and will undoubtedly be under scrutiny from both fans and critics alike.
As the professional wrestling landscape continues to evolve, AEW remains at the forefront of innovation and competition. The company’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges, such as the departure of Kevin Kelly, will be crucial in maintaining its momentum and solidifying its position in the industry. Only time will tell how AEW navigates this situation and continues to grow and thrive in the ever-changing world of professional wrestling.