Tony Khan wishes QT Marshall well in whatever he does in the next stages of his career.
On November 27th, the AEW original publicly announced that he would be leaving the promotion shortly, officially departing when all of his obligations have been fulfilled. The following day, multiple reports would come to light to elaborate on Marshall’s decision to leave the promotion he has been a part of since day 1.
The main frustration was Marshall’s lack of in-ring time and his role within the company. Although QT Marshall wore many hats in AEW, including producing and coaching, Marshall wanted to prioritise his in-ring career. With time onscreen diminishing in 2023, this looked to be unlikely.
Khan was asked about the news regarding Marshall while being interviewed by the New York Post. Khan complimented Marshall for all that he did in AEW and confirmed that Marshall is seeking more time in the ring.
“I really, really like Mike [Cuellari], QT. I worked with him for a number of years. He has very high aspirations and rightfully so. He’s a very talented person. He’s got a great mind for wrestling and he’s a very talented wrestler. He cares a lot about the people around him. He’s a very giving person. He also does want to have an in-ring career and I think that’s important to him and he is someone that offers a lot to any company and I have only very positive things to say about QT,”
Multiple reports have expressed that factors that may have frustrated Marshall were influenced by things beyond his own control. A report via Haus of Wrestling stated that when Cody Rhodes, who is good friends with Marshall, left AEW for WWE, Marshall’s backstage influence deteriorated quickly.” Furthermore, a report by Wrestle Purists states that Khan and Marshall’s relationship became strained when Khan took the blame for a decision made by CM Punk.
It is unknown where Marshall will sign with next following his departure. Due to the close friendship with Rhodes, it is possible that Marshall could sign with WWE as a producer, but a WWE source did note to Haus of Wrestling that being an active wrestler may be more difficult. Marshall has also previously competed for AAA.
Tony Khan References CM Punk
During the same interview, Khan was asked about the importance of CM Punk’s debut on Rampage back in 2021. While Tony Khan has previously issued a no comment on CM Punk regarding the departure and shock WWE return, he would comment on the arrival:
“The First Dance was an incredible moment in wrestling and was part of a very important time in AEW,” Khan said. “All Out 2021, along with All In, are our biggest pay-per-views of all time and we’ve had a lot of great success as a company as a team and in some of the most exciting times, CM Punk has been a big part of that team.”