Former AEW Star Awesome Kong Expresses Gratitude to Tony Khan for Unexpected Support
In a heartfelt mirrored image on her tenure with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Kia Stevens, higher acknowledged to wrestling enthusiasts as Awesome Kong, shared her appreciation for AEW founder Tony Khan. Stevens, who joined AEW at its inception in 2019, found out that Khan persisted to aid her financially lengthy after her departure from the hoop. This aid came as a marvel, mainly given her confined wrestling hobby at some stage in her time with the organisation.
Kong, a trailblazer in girls’s wrestling, participated in simplest five suits for AEW between 2019 and 2020. Her ultimate look became on January 1, 2020, where she secured a victory over Skyler Moore at the popular YouTube series, AEW Dark. However, following her exit from the organization, Kong centered on her position inside the acclaimed Netflix series GLOW, which delves into the world of girl wrestling within the 1980s. As filming for GLOW advanced, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, in addition complicating her capability to tour and struggle because of positive health issues she faced.
Reflecting on her journey during an appearance on the show Victoire, Kong stated, “At the beginning of 2019, right from the jump—whenever AEW started, like for real, for real, I was there, okay?” She recounted her commitment to the organization and the unforeseen circumstances that led to her departure. “I had to leave for a little bit to go shoot GLOW and then, while we were shooting GLOW, the pandemic happened, and because of certain ailments that I have, I could not travel.”
What struck Kong the most was AEW’s decision to continue paying her during a time when she was unable to contribute to the company’s roster. “God bless them, they paid me way longer than I thought they would or should,” she expressed with deep gratitude. This unexpected generosity from Khan and AEW provided a sense of security during a tumultuous period.
Kong emphasized that her exit from AEW was amicable, and she was grateful for how the organization handled the situation. “We parted ways, because I couldn’t come back, and why keep paying someone? We parted amicably, seriously, and they paid me way longer than I would’ve paid somebody who’s just not coming in a job. I’m just saying, so, yeah.” This statement highlights the ethical approach taken by AEW, reinforcing a culture of support and respect that resonates throughout the wrestling community.
Since leaving AEW, Awesome Kong has made a widespread return to the wrestling scene, competing at IMPACT one thousand. There, she teamed up with wrestling icons which include Gail Kim, Jordynne Grace, Mickie James, and Trinity, attaining a victorious final results towards ambitious warring parties, which include Angelina Love and Deonna Purrazzo. This fit not simplest marked her return however also showcased her lasting legacy and effect in women’s wrestling.
Khan’s technique to expertise control and his commitment to helping wrestlers, even throughout their absence, has been a focus of his leadership style. This became in addition exemplified when he publicly congratulated the tag team Private Party for prevailing the AEW Tag Team Titles from The Young Bucks, describing the match as a classic and the victory as five years in the making for Quen and Zay.
As Kong’s story unfolds, it illustrates the profound bonds formed in the wrestling industry, where loyalty and respect transcend the confines of the ring. Her gratitude toward Khan and AEW emphasizes a narrative that is often overlooked in the highly competitive world of professional wrestling: that behind the spectacle, there is a human element, and kindness can leave a lasting impression.
H/T to POST Wrestling for the above transcription.
