‘- In the land of sports entertainment, Internet rumors are running rapid around WWE talent asking for releases, especially with certain superstars unhappy with their position in the company. Now that All Elite Wrestling’s announcement regarding a new promotion has come to fruition, it seems many talent might be looking to jump ship for very good reasons; the money, matches, and merchandise might seem greener than the grass growing in their yard right now. PW Insider recently provided an update of sorts regarding rumblings over specific talent.
EXCLUSIVE: Chris Jericho (@IamJericho) is Officially signed to @AEWrestling #AEW #AEWRally pic.twitter.com/In6Nc96am5
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEWrestling) January 9, 2019
Overview below:
Dolph Ziggler: There has been a ton of speculation around Ziggler and the WWE as of late, especially since he rejected a producer position with the company. The WWE Universe last saw Dolph on television during a Monday Night RAW steel cage match with former friend Drew McIntyre. Interestingly enough, he has taken the name “Dolph Ziggler” off all his social media handles and seems to be on the cusp of a comedy tour in the near future; Ziggler’s also not been on the road with the company as of late. PW Insider reports that Dolph Ziggler is still under contract with the WWE, and some sources have denied an exit from the The Show Off; however, others seem to think that his exit date with the company may be as soon as January 31st of this year.
#tfw you see them bravely doing the 10 year challenge…
& both pics are from the red carpet#PubertyChallenge ? pic.twitter.com/XOXoGbcq14— Nic Nemeth (@HEELZiggler) January 14, 2019
Goldust: It only seems natural that Cody Rhodes’ older brother might be convinced to jump the WWE ship and join his sibling at AEW; however, PW Insider was not able to substantiate anything in regard to Goldust requesting a release from the WWE.
As previously reported on WNZ, information has surfaced around Maria and Mike Kanellis, as well as The Revival, requesting releases from the WWE, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet to whether or not these have been granted.
According to the PW Insider, company officials have reached out to superstars who have deals expiring in the next year, looking to get them locked up to longer contracts at this time. The report stated that the WWE is now securing talents to five-year contracts (which includes superstars such as The Miz and Kevin Owens).
– Speaking of WWE releases, contracts, and deals, thanks to All Elite Wrestling popping up, WWE superstars now have a little more room for “options” when it comes to sports entertainment. A little healthy competition can be a good thing, and thanks to this, we may be seeing more high-level contracts being offered to certain talents moving forward.
As per the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the WWE has let specific superstars know that should they receive a deal to wrestle with another company, they’d be willing to beat said offer by doubling it. According to the report, talents would need to provide paper proof of another offer in order for the WWE to double match it.
