Tony Khan Explains Why He Brought Back Sammy Guevara From Suspension

Sammy Guevara made his return to AEW television on Wednesday after serving his suspension following inappropriate comments made towards Sasha Banks in 2016.

Guevara was suspended on June 22 and in television time, served a 30-day suspension, though the July 22 episode of AEW Dynamite was taped on July 16.

Speaking to Sports Illustrated, Tony Khan discussed bringing Sammy back following his suspension.

“Sammy completed four weeks of extensive sensitivity training, and his curriculum included subject matters of tolerance, gender, race relations, and why people’s words matter,” said Khan. “During his suspension, he was very contrite. I asked him to use that time to try and become a better person, and I think he did. Sammy was off television for a month and suspended without pay for 30 days, and I think it was the right time for Sammy to come back because he’s shown that he’s very sorry and that he can change. He’s spent every day over the past month trying to prove that.”

Khan continued, saying Sammy completed the curriculum put in front of him and was committed to change.

“I meant what I said about re-evaluating his status with the company based on his conduct,” said Khan. “Sammy needed to make a lot of strides to keep his job and make amends for stuff he shouldn’t have said. None of us knew he said those things, and it’s stuff that was years old, but that doesn’t make it right. I think Sammy was very happy to have an opportunity to apologize, publicly and privately, and do something to turn a terrible comment he made into something positive.”

Guevara’s salary was donated to the Women’s Center of Jacksonville.

Along with serving a suspension, Guevara released multiple public apology videos and had a private phone conversation with Banks.