Since its inception, AEW has managed to become one of the top wrestling promotions in the span of just four years. However, while the results have been fruitful, the company has dealt with several controversies in recent years. Although the wrestlers not being on good terms has become a common thing, AEW recently had to deal with one of their employees, BJ Whitmer being criminally charged.
Recently, former AEW producer, BJ Whitmer got arrested by the Boone County Sheriff’s Department in Boone County, Kentucky on June 4th. Furthermore, Whitmer was charged with two degrees, that being Strangulation and Burglary respectively. Meanwhile, AEW took notice of this and terminated Whitmer with immediate effect. They also issued an official statement regarding the concerned matter.
The statement read, “B.J. Whitmer has been terminated following his arrest on domestic violence charges. While talent and staff are ultimately responsible for their own personal actions, this behavior is intolerable within AEW. AEW has reached out to offer support to those impacted by his behavior”.
B.J. Whitmer has been terminated following his arrest on domestic violence charges. While talent and staff are ultimately responsible for their own personal actions, this behavior is intolerable within AEW. AEW has reached out to offer support to those impacted by his behavior.
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) June 13, 2023
Whitner was also divorced back in 2020 from his Ex-wife, Kyle Kraven. Elaborating on the charges, the former AEW producer was charged with Strangulation in the first degree. The second degree states Burglary which means trespassing the non-residential buildings with the intent of committing a crime.
Moreover, Whitmer was also charged a bond amount of $25,000 by the Grand Jury during his trial. He was further released on June 12th by the court of law and the release statement in the file stated “Final Release”. Nonetheless, AEW just straight out refused to tolerate an employee with such dreadful charges and decided to take a stand for the alleged victims, who are obscure as of now.
Who is BJ Whitmer and when did he join AEW?
BJ Whitmer is a retired professional wrestler who is best known for his time in Ring of Honor (ROH). Whitmer began his wrestling career in the late 1990s and gained recognition in ROH, where he competed from 2002 to 2017. He became a four-time ROH tag team champion along with his partner, “The Prophecy” Christopher Daniels.
He also had notable rivalries with wrestlers like Jimmy Jacobs, Nigel McGuinness, and Jay Briscoe. In addition to his in-ring career, BJ Whitmer also worked behind the scenes in ROH as a producer and trainer. He played a significant role in shaping the talent and helping to develop the wrestling product in the promotion.
Following his retirement from the in-ring competition, BJ Whitmer had been working with AEW since 2019 in a backstage capacity. Working under the profile of a behind-the-scenes producer. Moreover, AEW wrestlers such as Anna Jay have also credited Whitmer for his work to improve the company’s women’s division.