Why AEW Hired Jeff Jarrett

Real reason AEW signed Jeff Jarrett as Director of Business Development following Dynamite debut.

by Andy H Murray
Jeff Jarrett
AEW

Jeff Jarrett debuted for AEW on this week's episode of Dynamite, joining forces with Jay Lethal's growing stable through an in-ring attack on Darby Allin - though it sounds like his biggest impact will be felt behind the scenes.

PWInsider's Mike Johnson reports that Jarrett will be helping AEW with its international plans. Company founder and CEO Tony Khan has previously teased the promotion expanding its live event schedule in 2023, which could mean finally moving forward with its long-planned international shows.

On camera, Jarrett is to enter some kind of programme with Sting, who is currently aligned with Allin. Jarrett, Lethal, Sonjay Dutt, Satnam Singh, and Cole Karter attacked Darby on Dynamite, doing so after the former TNT Champion had dropped a singles match with Lethal. Karter's ambush came after disguising himself as Sting, who has been off television for the past few weeks, all as part of Allin's current character arc.

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Sting and Jarrett have immense history from their shared time in various promotions, most notably WCW and TNA. Jeff targeted 'The Icon' in his debut promo, saying that the veteran had become Allin's biggest hindrance.

Jeff Jarrett's Backstage Success

PWInsider notes Jarrett's prior success in forging international deals, with the well-travelled star instrumental in forging IMPACT's working relationship with India's Ring Ka King and scoring a television deal in the country. More recently, Jarrett served as WWE's Senior Vice President of Live Events. Appointed in May but released in August, his tenure coincided with notable increases in WWE's live business metrics.

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Following Dynamite, Tony Khan confirmed that Jarrett, who has been appointed Director of Business Development, will serve a similar function in his company:-

Jarrett's Dynamite appearance was his first on TBS since the 21 March 2001 episode of WCW Thunder. The 55-year-old has wrestled multiple times in 2022, most notably in Ric Flair's 31 July retirement match.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.