The sudden departure of Trey Miguel from All Elite Wrestling has generated controversy and confusion, particularly given his recent arrival alongside his Rascalz stablemates. New reporting has clarified that the decision to terminate Miguel’s contract was not made by AEW management, but was instead a mandate handed down from the network partner, Warner Bros. Discovery. According to Fightful Select, the release was directly tied to a resurfaced Facebook comment from 2020 in which Miguel directed a homophobic slur at an online troll. Although Miguel apologized immediately at the time of the incident, WBD executives reportedly viewed the past conduct as a liability, leading to his removal from the roster shortly after his signing.
Inside the AEW locker room, the reaction has been one of frustration and perceived unfairness. Sources indicate that Miguel had maintained positive relationships with his colleagues and that there was no internal push to see him let go. The Rascalz, as a group, were well-liked, and Miguel’s behavior during his brief tenure with the company was described as professional. The decision has sparked conversations about a “double standard” regarding talent conduct, with several roster members pointing out that other high-profile stars on WBD programming have histories of controversial statements that did not result in termination. This inconsistency has led to unease regarding the network’s increasing influence over personnel decisions.
The report also dispelled rumors that other incidents contributed to the firing. Speculation regarding a past online exchange with David Starr was ruled out as a factor, with sources confirming the 2020 Facebook comment was the sole cause cited by WBD. TNA sources further corroborated Miguel’s professional track record, stating he had no behavioral issues during his time there. The situation highlights the precarious nature of talent contracts when major corporate partners intervene, overriding the creative and administrative desires of the wrestling promotion itself.
This incident underscores the complex power dynamics between wrestling promotions and their broadcast partners. As AEW navigates its relationship with WBD amid the ongoing merger talks, the influence of network executives on roster composition is becoming more tangible. With Miguel now a free agent, the industry will be watching to see if he returns to TNA or explores the independent circuit, where he remains a high-demand talent. His release serves as a stark reminder of how vetting processes and corporate standards are evolving in the modern wrestling landscape.
In related roster news, former WWE Superstar Nixon Newell has addressed her own status following her brief stint with AEW in late 2025. Despite reports that her run ended due to a refusal to lose a match, Newell clarified on the Wrestling Classic podcast that her departure was amicable. She explained that the issue was simply about the allotted match time—three minutes being insufficient for the planned tag team bout—rather than the outcome itself. Newell emphasized that there was no “storming out” and that the door remains open for a potential return, contradicting the negative narrative that had circulated in dirt sheets.
Current programming continues this week with AEW Dynamite and Collision, where fans will be watching to see how the remaining members of The Rascalz are utilized in Miguel’s absence. The scrutiny on WBD’s standards will likely persist as viewers and talent alike assess the consistency of these disciplinary actions moving forward.
