The True Story Behind PAC Quitting AEW

by Michael Sidgwick
Neville WWE
WWE.com

We must apply these maxims across the good and the bad.

The true story, here, is that virtually everybody even remotely critical of WWE’s legal machinations and creative philosophy asked for this. You wanted the old days of wrestling back. They’re here. Both parties have a position to defend and the power to defend it. So far, the odious contrarians aside, most have viewed AEW through an optimistic lens. Sadly, that isn’t very wrestling, is it?

The timing is atrocious, but PAC has, nonetheless, exercised his right as a true independent contractor. This is what so many wished for him throughout those long months in exile: independence. The right to work where he sees fit. This is what much of the wrestling sphere wishes for Sasha Banks, the Revival and Luke Harper, but that's the thing about agency. The decision ultimately rests with the individual. The story is an inconvenient truth.

Proper, big-time professional wrestling is back; this is just the other side of the coin.

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and surefire Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!