Report: Leva Bates Was "Surprised" By AEW Contract Expiry

It emerged recently that AEW original Leva Bates had parted ways with the promotion following the expiration of her contract, though despite a very heart-warming and lovely message delivered on social media following her exit, there was reportedly more to the story.

Fightful Select has reported that the expiration of Bates’ contract was a big surprise to her, as there was no prior discussion between her and the company on the matter.

“Bates’ deal had expired and those close to her said that AEW didn’t have a conversation with her about renewing the deal. Some in the company found out when an email went out notifying that they were not renewing the deal. Bates was said to have found out when people contacted her to check on her.”

This continues somewhat of a trend for AEW, with expiring talents not being contacted or and in some cases even frozen out by the company and Tony Khan, with examples of this including Marko Stunt and Joey Janela.