Why Joey Janela Missed Last Night's AEW Dynamite
Sonny Kiss took Janela's spot in the World Title Eliminator tournament.
Joey Janela was forced to pull out of last night's AEW Dynamite after coming into contact with somebody who later tested positive for COVID-19, the promotion announced on Wednesday.
This happened at an independent show. AEW noted that 'The Bad Boy' won't be brought back until "he is cleared to return consistent with our protocols."
Janela was set to face Kenny Omega in the first round of the AEW World Title Eliminator tournament last night, though his tag team partner Sonny Kiss wound up taking his spot. Kiss ended up losing to Omega in less than 10 seconds.
Last weekend saw Janela wrestle AJ Gray for Game Changer Wrestling in California. Gray has since tested positive, posting the following yesterday:-
It's unlikely that Janela's absence will have an adverse effect on any ongoing storylines, as Omega was always likely to advance past the first round, regardless of his opponent. There is currently no indication that Janela himself has tested positive for the illness currently ravaging the planet.
Joey has previously faced Omega twice in AEW, first in an acclaimed Dark bout on 15 October 2019, then again the following week on Dynamite.