Gail Kim denies contacting AEW after leaving TNA, says she is retired

Gail Kim, the TNA Hall of Famer and retired wrestler, pushed back this week against online claims that she contacted All Elite Wrestling seeking a job after her March departure from TNA, saying she received a single text from AEW producer Sonjay Dutt and remains retired. The exchange followed a wider dispute sparked by Kim’s recent comments about former AEW Women’s Champion Riho and subsequent social media back-and-forth with AEW figures and fans.

The controversy began when Kim posted reactions to an early AEW segment featuring Riho, saying on social media that camera angles and costume choices in that match made her feel uncomfortable because Riho appeared “like a very little girl.” Those remarks prompted a strong response from some fans and a terse, widely read post from AEW executive Kenny Omega that many interpreted as directed at Kim. In response, Kim said she felt Omega’s comment was derogatory and accused sections of the fanbase of twisting her words.

Speaking in a podcast interview this week, Kim said her critique was about a single segment and its presentation rather than a personal attack on Riho’s ability as a wrestler. “I was not, in any way, saying anything bad...