Mance Warner has publicly addressed confusion surrounding his removal from an upcoming AAW Wrestling event after Tony Khan denied claims that AEW requested the booking cancellation.
The situation unfolded ahead of AAW Wrestling’s Homecoming event on May 22 in Merrionette Park, Illinois.
The promotion initially announced on social media that Warner would no longer appear “per AEW’s request,” leading many fans to assume the decision was tied to AEW’s Double or Nothing weekend activities.
However, the story quickly turned into more of a worked shoot than a clean finish.
Khan responded directly online and disputed the claim entirely.
“That’s the first that I’ve heard of this, and it’s the first time anyone in AEW’s office has heard of it,” Khan wrote. “He is welcome to do your show.”
Warner later issued his own statement to clear the air, explaining that the issue had nothing to do with AEW restricting his appearances (Via X).
“Want to clarify this situation. AEW did not ask me to pull out of this show,” Warner stated. “My rate was never agreed upon.”
Mance Warner explains why he pulled out of AAW event
According to Warner, he even sent $400 to the promoter to cover flight costs before deciding to withdraw from the event himself.
“With transparency, I made a decision to withdraw from the show to avoid any % chance of travel issues or any f*** ups ruining a big opportunity,” Warner explained. “I hope y’all can understand.”
AAW had originally advertised Warner for a match against Richard Holliday at the event. No replacement opponent has been announced.
Warner has continued appearing for Ring of Honor in recent months following his departure from TNA earlier this year alongside Steph De Lander.
While he hasn’t been featured prominently on AEW television lately, he remains connected to Tony Khan’s wrestling landscape through ROH appearances.
The situation also arrives during a busy week for AEW, with Double or Nothing set for Sunday in Queens, New York. For now, Warner’s statement appears to have put the issue to bed before it turned into a full-blown backstage battle royal.
READ MORE: Major AEW Double or Nothing Odds Shift Hints at New Champion
