Mansoor believes AEW wrestlers who are sitting on the sidelines should make the most of opportunities elsewhere.

Speaking to Self Made Pro, Mansoor discussed the freedom he has to wrestle internationally while under contract with AEW. He also reflected on how difficult it was to be away from the ring during his WWE run, despite being well paid.

“When I was in WWE, they treated me very well. I was financially compensated extremely well, especially for those Saudi shows. And without those opportunities, I would not have the life that I have with my family right now.

“That being said, when I was sitting my ass at home doing nothing off travel, it was emotionally maybe one of the hardest things. And I know that comes from a place of privilege, obviously, but not being able to do what I love in front of people was so incredibly difficult.”

For Mansoor, AEW’s approach gives talent a chance to keep doing what they love, even when they are not being used by the company.

“There’s no excuse if you’re in AEW and you’re benched, man. Go the f*ck out there and work. If I was single and childless, I would be flying myself to places all over the world and wrestling in as many shows as I possibly could and getting out there.”

He pointed to his international schedule with Mason, including appearances in Japan and Mexico, as examples of what is possible.

“I’m going to Japan in two days with Mason to work for DDT at Ryogoku Sumo Hall, and we’re staying for two extra weeks. We’re going to do some really, really cool sh*t over there. Earlier this year, we went to CMLL for a two-week tour of Mexico, which was some of the best work I felt that we ever did.”

Mansoor also praised Tony Khan for allowing him to promote and book shows in India while retaining the financial security of his AEW contract.

“I’ve been going to India. The fact that Tony Khan is letting me promote and book a show for a completely different company in India and go there multiple times a year is a phenomenal, phenomenal opportunity. And the fact that I’m in AEW getting a guaranteed deal and money to do all those things, I couldn’t possibly complain. It would be absurd for me to complain.”

Do you agree with Mansoor that AEW wrestlers should seek more opportunities outside the company? Share your thoughts in the comments.