AEW superstar Darby Allin recently spoke out about a major shift in backstage dynamics at All Elite Wrestling, crediting company leadership and roster changes for the improved atmosphere. In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Allin praised Tony Khan for fostering a positive environment where both personal and professional success is encouraged for wrestlers.
Cutting Out the “Cancer”
Allin referred to a past presence in AEW that he described as “cancer”—wrestlers who refused to lose in a scripted sport, letting egos disrupt the locker room. He explained, “At the end of the day, this is all staged. So, if you’re going to have an ego about that, get out of the f***ing sport.” This decisive approach has, according to Allin, eliminated tension and created a unified, productive vibe among the roster.
Unnamed Former AEW Stars
While Allin did not name specific wrestlers, speculation points to past AEW talents such as Miro (now Rusev in WWE) and Malakai Black (formerly Aleister Black in WWE), who reportedly struggled with doing jobs during their AEW tenure. Even high-profile names like CM Punk, though respectful of outcomes during his brief stint, remain connected in discussion due to past backstage dynamics.
Looking Ahead
Allin will soon continue his ongoing rivalry with Jon Moxley at the Wrestledream PPV, facing him in an “I Quit” match after their previous Casket Match at All Out. The event also features other major matchups, including Adam Page vs. Samoa Joe for the AEW World Championship and Kris Statlander vs. Toni Storm for the AEW Women’s World Championship.
Darby Allin’s comments underscore AEW’s commitment to cultivating a cooperative, respectful, and ego-free environment, which he credits for both personal satisfaction and the overall health of the company.
