This weekend’s Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) shows were set to feature Willie Mack, a standout talent who is also signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Mack was scheduled to face Joey Janela on December 13 and Sidney Akeem on December 14. However, Mack’s matches have been canceled, and conflicting accounts have surfaced about why he won’t be appearing.

The GCW Perspective

According to reports from Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, GCW claims Willie Mack informed them that AEW pulled him from the bookings due to a recent controversy involving GCW star Effy. In response, GCW owner Brett Lauderdale reached out to AEW producer Sonjay Dutt, who denied the claim, insisting AEW had not pulled Mack from the events.

When Lauderdale followed up with Mack, the wrestler clarified:
“I wasn’t pulled, but Christopher Daniels made it clear that I shouldn’t go.”

The AEW Perspective

AEW disputes the idea that Mack was pressured not to appear. According to their side, Willie Mack proactively asked AEW if it would be an issue for him to work the GCW shows, and AEW assured him it would not be a problem. AEW sources insist they did not pull Mack from the bookings, and Dutt communicated the same to Lauderdale.

Meltzer summarized the situation:
“Was [Mack] pressured, or did he just do it on his own? I don’t know.”

Broader Context: AEW and GCW Tensions

This incident is part of a broader strain between AEW and GCW. Reports suggest GCW believes Effy’s recent comments criticizing AEW’s leadership—including Tony Khan and his father Shad Khan—have influenced AEW’s handling of talent working GCW events.

Additionally, AR Fox, another AEW talent, reportedly visited GCW over the weekend but was allegedly told not to appear on camera. Similarly, Ricky Starks, a high-profile AEW wrestler, was booked for GCW dates in late 2024 and early 2025 but was pulled after Effy’s remarks.

What’s Next for Willie Mack?

Amid the conflicting accounts, one thing is clear: Willie Mack will not be competing at GCW this weekend. While AEW maintains that they did not actively prevent Mack from working the events, questions linger about whether unofficial pressure played a role in his decision.

For fans of both promotions, this incident highlights the ongoing tensions between AEW and GCW. As for Mack, his next steps—both within AEW and in the independent scene—will be closely watched by wrestling fans eager to see how this story unfolds.

Stay tuned for updates on this evolving situation.