It is an interesting time for AEW as we head into 2024, as only one member of The E in AEW, The Elite, is an active member of the roster: Kota Ibushi. “Hangman” Adam Page was attacked by the mysterious devils that have been roaming around AEW as of late and is off television selling his injury. Kenny Omega is currently sidelined due to a diverticulitis diagnosis with no timetable for his return. The Young Bucks lost their guaranteed shot at the AEW World Tag Team Championships to Omega and Chris Jericho at AEW Full Gear last month and have also not been seen on TV since. All four have ended their successful Being The Elite YouTube series.
As surprising as it is to see so many AEW originals not on TV at the same time, some other day one members of the team will be missing soon, too. Fightful reports that AEW Vice President of Live Events/Touring Rafael Morffi and AEW Chief Marketing & Merchandising Dana Massie, the wife of Matt Jackson, are wrapping up their time with the company. Jackson shared the following on Instagram Stories over the weekend, seeming to confirm his wife’s exit from AEW.
“End of an era,” he began. “You were in the first conversations when this was all only an idea. One of the main builders of our empire. Always positive in at times was a thankless job. Glad you got to do it all, and leave on your terms, by your own choice. It’s been fun working with you. See you at dinner.”
The Wrestling Observer reports that AEW attempted to re-sign Massie, but she declined. One of the factors that played into her decision was reportedly the way her husband and brother-in-law, Nick Jackson, had been “vilified” publicly after AEW All Out 2022 and were not allowed to defend themselves. While all the members of The Elite agreed to re-sign after a group vote, the lingering issues around how they and her were presented publicly still lingered.
It was also noted that Massie did not have any executive experience at a pro wrestling company, which was fine early on when everyone was happy and looking to just get things going. However, with the WWE getting hot and other areas of AEW’s business faltering, that attitude has changed. Massie, Morffi, Kevin Sullivan, and QT Marshall were all day-one members of the AEW team, and this definitely feels like the end of an era.
Haus of Wrestling has independently confirmed what Fightful is reporting, that Morffi will wrap up his AEW duties at Worlds End this weekend before beginning the next chapter of his career. Haus of Wrestling had been told that Morffi would be taking on a senior executive role with a pro sports ownership group and major venue next year. This is in line with what the Wrestling Observer reports, which is that Morffi will be working with The Barclays Center in New York City, helping with The New York Nets, who play in the building, and with other live events. Morffi lives in the area, and his new role will require significantly less travel.