Trey Miguel's Departure from AEW and the Overshadowing Past Comments

Speculation has surrounded the surprising release of professional wrestler Trey Miguel from All Elite Wrestling (AEW), notable for being almost immediate after his recent signing announcement. This has drawn attention to a homophobic remark made by Miguel on Facebook back in 2020, which he addressed and apologized for at the time.

According to a report by Fightful Select, AEW’s decision to release Miguel was directly tied to the comments he made six years ago, despite his apologies and the absence of any further incidents. The decision reportedly stemmed from pressures exerted by Warner Brothers Discovery, AEW’s television broadcasting and streaming partner, rather than AEW itself.

Requests for comments from AEW and Warner Brothers Discovery regarding the specifics of Miguel's release, including the potential influence of the 2020 comment, have gone unanswered. Miguel had joined AEW alongside his group, The Rascalz, which includes Desmond Xavier, Zachary Wentz, and Myron Reed. Although advertised to appear on AEW's “Dynamite” program, only his stablemates appeared during their debut on “AEW Collision.”

Following his release, Miguel expressed his thoughts on social media, conveying his regret over past mistakes. "I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my time. I’ve always apologized and did my best to put a better foot forward after," he wrote. "I don’t preach hate and I don’t take any pride in being hateful. I’m a man of faith, I believe in forgiveness and only ever preach that. I’m a different man today."

The Controversial Comment

The remark at the center of this controversy involved Miguel responding to a homophobic troll on Facebook who equated unattractiveness with being gay. Miguel retorted in a manner which he later regretted, saying: "Most people as unattractive as you become gay out of fear of rejection from the opposite sex. So you find comfort, ability, and familiarity in the same sex..." This post, laden with derogatory language, was quickly followed by a sincere apology from Miguel.

In his apology, Miguel clarified: "I’m not anti-LGBTQ+. I made some very mean comments... and it wasn’t right or tasteful. Regardless of the comments made to get me to such an ugly place, I was wrong and I’m not afraid to admit it. Two of my very best friends are members of said community and I’d take a bullet [for] either of them. I won’t try to justify anything I said but I will apologize like a man. If I offended you then I’m genuinely sorry."

Despite this acknowledgment, the shadow of his past comments seems to have influenced his professional journey within AEW.

Support and Reflection

In the aftermath of the news regarding Miguel's release, several LGBTQ pro wrestlers and figures within the wrestling community extended their support to him via social media. Edward Draven, a fellow wrestler, highlighted Miguel’s character and allyship, stating: "People learn and grow. A true ally... This isn’t a hateful person."

Trey Miguel is not the first wrestler to face consequences due to past homophobic comments. AEW previously barred Jay and Mark Briscoe from appearing on their programming due to comments made years prior, although Mark Briscoe later returned following his brother Jay’s passing in 2023.

This situation underscores the challenges faced by public figures whose past actions resurface to impact their careers despite growth and apologies. It serves as a reminder of the lasting impact words can have and the importance of accountability and allyship.

The wrestling community continues to navigate these complex issues of accountability and growth, as more athletes, fans, and organizations work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQ individuals.