Independent wrestling star Joey Janela was involved in a serious incident during a meet and greet session when a former AEW extra confronted him aggressively. The individual, who briefly appeared on AEW Dark during the pandemic era, had previously expressed grievances about compensation received for his appearance.
According to witnesses, the confrontation escalated quickly when the aggressor approached Janela’s merchandise table and began throwing items. Janela, who was accompanied by fellow wrestlers and staff members, responded by throwing a table in self-defense.
The incident stems from a long-standing dispute dating back to late 2020, when the extra publicly complained about receiving $120 for his AEW appearance. Both Janela and AEW star Britt Baker had previously addressed these complaints, stating the individual should have been appreciative of the opportunity, particularly given the sensitive timing of his comments which occurred days after the passing of beloved wrestler Brodie Lee.
Security and other wrestlers, including John Wayne Murdoch, quickly intervened to protect Janela and the fans in attendance. The situation was eventually contained, with no serious injuries reported.
The incident has sparked discussions about wrestler safety at public events, particularly for independent performers who often lack corporate security infrastructure. Fellow wrestlers and fans have expressed support for Janela while condemning the inappropriate behavior that disrupted what should have been a positive fan interaction.
Local authorities have been notified of the incident, and organizers are reviewing security protocols for future events.
