AEW's roster cuts are nearing double figuers

After years of stockpiling talent, it would appear Tony Khan is starting to streamline AEW's roster. In recent weeks, the company has parted ways with Ricky Starks, Malakai Black, Miro, Leyla Hirsch and Rey Fenix. 

Now, according to Friday's report by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, AEW is set to release another three wrestlers. Abadon, Zak Knight and Nick Comoroto are the latest talents set to be released. That takes AEW's total cuts to seven wrestlers, which could potentially be a sign of things to come.

It should be no surprise that outside of Starks and Black, the rest of the released talent aren't well-known members of the AEW roster. In truth, that has been part of the problem with Khan's desire to stockpile talent. 

In recent years, AEW's talent pool has swelled. The bar has been raised, and multiple talents found themselves left behind or sitting on the cusp of the roster. Of course, that likely led to some internal friction between talents, especially those struggling for TV time. 

There are still more contracted wrestlers that could be facing the axe in the coming months. Khan has been notoriously loyal when it comes to honoring contracts, but that doesn't mean he's obligated to re-sign wrestlers that aren't moving the needle for the company.

As the roster begins to shrink, and a defined talent group of stars emerges, AEW can finally begin putting their total effort into creating compelling storylines for television. The company has been steadily improving in recent months, and it feels like things are finally back on track.

Releasing seven wrestlers isn't major news, especially when most were seldom used. However, it's a sign of how things are changing in AEW, and that's exciting for the fanbase and for the future of the company.