AEW Superstar Will “Powerhouse” Hobbs took to Twitter on Monday night to issue a statement addressing the recent criticism from some about AEW’s diversity in its roster and staff.
This all started when the recently released Big Swole took to her podcast and claimed that diversity in the company was a big issue despite numerous talents of Asian and Brown descent appearing (and winning) on Dynamite and Rampage in recent weeks. It should be noted that Big Swole initially said the two sides mutually agreed to part ways and they ended on very good terms. Clearly, she now feels differently and it has many people shaking their heads.
AEW President Tony Khan also took to Twitter and announced that he and SVP/Chief Legal Officer Megha Parekh are two of the top executives in AEW and are people of color. He also listed Jade Cargill, Anthony Bowens, Max Caster, Dante Martin, Nyla Rose, and Private Party as people who “all won on TV this month.”
Hobbs posted the following statement:
“It often flies under the radar that Tony and Megha are people of color, and having them in charge of AEW represents progress for pro wrestling. I see firsthand how hard they’re working to make wrestling more diverse.
I want you all to know that I consider Tony and Megha family, and I’m disappointed to see their efforts dismissed. People have no idea the time and effort it takes to put shows on and to make AEW an open environment where people like me are seen and heard.
Tony works hand in hand with people of color on the roster all the time about their story ideas, input, matches, etc. Not every idea will work, but every idea is listened to and valued. My personal voice has been heard and I’ve had input for many of my opportunity. As a Black make, I plan on using my voice to do what I can to make sure that this company is diverse. I’m also very aware that diversity comes in many forms — Women, Black, Latinx, East Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian, LGBTQ+ and more. The more diversity, equity and inclusion we can build in wrestling, the more fans we can engage with, and the more fun we can all have together.
AEW is a young company led by people of color heading in the right direction. I’m proud to be a part of that momentum, and I know my colleagues stand beside me when I say that.”
— PowerHouse HOBBS (@TrueWillieHobbs) January 4, 2022
In other news, TBS will be premiering the second season of the “Go-Big Show” featuring Cody Rhodes this Thursday. The premiere date was originally announced back in October. The show features Rhodes on the judges panel again alongside Rosario Dawson, T-Pain, and Jennifer Nettles.
January 6th – as BIG as it gets #GoBigShow Season 2 Sneak Peek 👀
FOLLOW @GoBigShowTBS #codyrhodes @rosariodawson @bertkreischer @JenniferNettles @TPAIN @GoBigShowTBS pic.twitter.com/FOx8Bz8oMp
— AEW COMMUNITY OUTREACH (@CodyRhodes) October 21, 2021
