For Josh Mathews, a veteran of professional wrestling, a shift in roles and a change of scenery have rekindled a passion for the sport. After years spent as a commentator and, increasingly, behind the scenes, Mathews says he has “fallen in love with wrestling again” since joining All Elite Wrestling (AEW) last year.
Mathews’ journey has taken him through the ranks of WWE and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), now Impact Wrestling, before landing with AEW as a line producer. Even as he initially gained recognition as an on-air personality, his transition to production began during his final years with TNA. He described learning the intricacies of the role “through osmosis” even dating back to his time in WWE, a side of the business he now genuinely enjoys. The role allows him to contribute to the overall presentation of the product, ensuring a smooth and compelling viewing experience.
A Long Pursuit of an AEW Role
Mathews’ desire to join AEW wasn’t a recent development. He revealed on the AEW Unrestricted podcast that he had been actively seeking an opportunity with the promotion since its inception. He admitted to persistently contacting an AEW Executive Vice President about potential openings.
The timing ultimately aligned following a change in management at TNA in 2025, leading to his departure. Mathews then reached out to Sonjay Dutt, an AEW producer, and Michael Mansury, AEW’s head of production, both of whom he had previously worked with during his tenures at TNA and WWE. “I called Mike Mansury and called Sonjay again. And a year later, here we are,” Mathews said.
Reconnecting with a Lifelong Passion
Mathews, who began his wrestling career as a runner-up on the first season of WWE’s “Tough Enough” in 2001, according to Wikipedia, emphasized that his renewed enthusiasm stems from the collaborative and passionate environment within AEW. He feels a genuine sense of camaraderie among the team, where ideas are valued regardless of their source. “It doesn’t matter who comes up with an idea, all that matters is that the idea is good,” he explained.
He shared with Tony Khan, the founder and CEO of AEW, that being part of the organization has reignited his love for the sport. “Being here for the last year, and I’ve told this to Tony Khan, I have fallen in love with wrestling again,” Mathews said. “And I loved wrestling as a kid. It was my favorite thing. It’s all I ever wanted to do.”
A Return to “The Major Leagues”
Mathews described his current position at AEW as feeling like a return to “the major leagues,” a sentiment he clarified wasn’t intended as a slight to TNA. He currently works in the production truck, utilizing his skills to ensure the seamless execution of each show. His wife, Madison Rayne, also contributes to AEW, serving as a coach for the women’s division.
The shift to production has allowed Mathews to view the wrestling business from a different perspective, one he finds incredibly rewarding. He appreciates the intricate teamwork required to bring a live wrestling event to fruition, comparing the process to a “magical” coming together of efforts, particularly when AEW travels internationally, like to Australia.
Josh Mathews’ story is a testament to the enduring power of passion and the pursuit of a fulfilling career. His journey through the world of professional wrestling has led him to a place where he feels valued, creatively stimulated, and, most importantly, reconnected with the sport he loves. AEW’s next major event, Revolution, is scheduled for March 3, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and will be a key indicator of the continued momentum of the promotion and the contributions of its production team.
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