Kris Statlander, the newly crowned AEW TBS Champion, recently spoke with Haus of Wrestling about the possibility of an AEW roster split.
Following the premiere of AEW Collision on June 17, several reports suggest that AEW may divide its roster among its three brands.
Even if a roster split is on the horizon, Statlander believes it will not result in a hardline separation.
Highlights from the podcast are included below:
On the scope and impact of the supposed brand split:
“Yeah, I think it’s kind of a split, but not fully. I think hopefully you will be able to see some talent be on both shows. But I do think that it’s a good opportunity to get more people television time. But I think that if people are willing to show up and — It’s also exciting knowing, like, you never know. Knowing that you’re only going to see some people on some days, that’s great, but also seeing someone show up on a Saturday and then they’re like, ‘Oh my god, I can’t believe they’re here. I wonder who they’re gonna work with and stuff.’ I think that’s also — I like the mystery and the surprise. I feel like everyone wants to know everything all the time in wrestling, and it makes me sad because, don’t you just want to enjoy the moment and feel that surprise? I feel like everyone takes that for granted nowadays. Everyone wants to know everything and be the first to know, but I think the beauty of wrestling is not knowing what’s going to happen.”
On if the women’s division will have enough coverage for both brands:
“I think so. I think people don’t realize how many women there actually are because it is a very small fraction of the show most of the time. I don’t think it’s going to be much of an issue, especially with the opportunity to possibly get to go to both shows. I think we’ll be able to provide what people are hoping for. I think we’ll be able to step up and make it worth it.”
