Leyla Hirsch comments on what was “frustrating” about the end of her run with AEW

During an interview with The Soul Sessions, former AEW star Leyla Hirsch talked about the end of her run with the company…

“When my contract was coming up, it actually ended on my wedding day. There was a lot going on. I went six weeks prior to my contract ending to have a talk with Tony [Khan]. I didn’t even want to talk about the contract. I just wanted to talk, ‘Hey, if I stay, what would be the plan?’ I had been so patient and had done everything that was asked of me, but I felt that I needed and wanted more. I wanted to show them the value that they haven’t had in me there. I want to prove my worth. When I asked to talk to Tony, I guess somebody told him what I wanted to talk to him about. I never ended up talking to him. I ended up talking to one of the lawyers and somebody else about my contract. This was the only conversation I had, and it was a really good talk. It was very professional. I let them know my frustrations, which were very valid, and they understand and know. I just told them, ‘I want to be here, but I want to grow as a performer. I need to grow as a performer being here.’ We had a good talk and I felt good about it. They told me I would hear from them in the first week of February. Ultimately, I didn’t hear anything from them.”

“The frustrating part is they waited until less than two weeks to tell me they weren’t going to re-sign me. I went six weeks early just so I could have a plan, especially since I was getting married. The part that is frustrating is I’m never going to know what was said to Tony. I don’t think they would say anything bad to him because I said everything you would want to hear a talent say. It was just frustrating. I can guess as to why they didn’t sign me, and if it is the reason, I don’t have any regrets. If I was complacent with AEW, I would still be with them. I don’t have any regrets on anything. I think it sucks because it was one conversation and then nothing until less the two weeks when I got the call that they weren’t going to re-sign me. It sucks, but I don’t have any regrets. I did everything on my part and was very professional, even when there were definitely times when I would’ve had every right not to be. I’m always willing to bet on myself. I met such great people, but as far as my career, if I would have stayed there, I don’t know what it would have done for my career. If the investment is not there right now, there is not much that I can do. At the end of the day, I’m just another number and it sucks. To me, it’s a respect thing. Just let me know ahead of time so I can prepare. It is what it is.” (quotes courtesy of Jeremy Lambert)