In October 2024, Fightful Select reported that Jimmy Jacobs had departed AEW.
Tony Khan has cited Jacobs as someone who has helped in a backstage role who will sit in on the creative and production meetings. There were many online rumors regarding Jacobs' influence during his time with the company.
Speaking to Mark O'Brien of Bodyslam.net, Jacobs commented on his AEW departure.
“I would challenge anybody to name one segment that I wrote and produced at AEW,” Jacobs said. "Mostly, what I did at AEW was admin stuff… I was a channel for information. There were people that had this narrative that I was a leak in WWE, which I absolutely 100% was not. It was just a complete fabrication. I still honestly haven’t gotten used to being judged by lies."
Speaking about Tony Khan and the challenges he's faced with AEW, Jacobs said, "Tony Khan had a lot to juggle from the beginning. It’s not just about putting on good wrestling; it’s about building a brand, keeping fans happy, and keeping a roster of talent motivated. Tony always knew there was going to be criticism. Whether it’s about creative decisions, the talent roster, or how AEW was performing compared to WWE, it’s all part of being in the spotlight. Tony didn’t take it personally, but he definitely had to find ways to manage that pressure. It’s about communication. Tony has always been really transparent with the talent. AEW is a place where wrestlers have more control over their characters and how they’re portrayed on TV, but that also means they expect more. Tony had to manage that balance between giving talent the creative freedom they wanted and making sure the overall product worked. AEW has never been static. There’s always something new, and that’s something Tony has been really good at—constantly evolving the product to keep the fans engaged. It’s tough because you’re competing against the biggest wrestling company in the world, but Tony has really carved out a niche for AEW."
Fightful Select reported that Jacobs cited burnout and not wanting to travel as much as a reason for wanting to finish up and that there was no ill will regarding his departure.
