In case you missed it, AEW teases a huge signing.
Specifically, Tony Khan on Wednesday declared that, before Full Gear on Saturday, the company was revealing their latest free agent acquisition.
Per his post, later covered on Wednesday’s Dynamite, the talent in question has agreed to terms and will sign his or her contract on Saturday.
There is a bit to unpack here, so let’s take this step by step, shall we?
AEW Teases A Huge Signing
First and foremost, it seems funny to me to hype a signing…before a PPV. I can only think that perhaps buys are low?
Maybe there have been big signings at PPVs before, but none come to mind. I know we’ve seen plenty of surprise arrivals and debuts, but…this one is being hyped days in advance.
Not sure what to make of that, to be honest.
Second, a lot of fans immediately jumped to the recent list of released WWE talent.
Outside of some NXT names (like Quincy Elliot), the “big names” that would fit Khan’s description all have 90 day non-compete clauses, and those don’t expire until just before Christmas.
Meaning, the only way that could be someone like Ali or Ziggler is if Tony Khan wants to have a major legal fight (while Ali was working with NXT, the belief is he was still working under his WWE main roster contract, including 90 day non-compete).
So who does that leave?
Will Ospreay comes to mind. Though not free from NJPW until early 2024, it’s possible that AEW and NJPW worked something out, given they are on good terms.
Mercedes Mone has been a free agent, but has also been injured. Could she be the big move?
There are also significant names out there, such as Ryback and Goldberg. And we know Goldberg wanted a farewell tour and match…
Ronda Rousey’s contract did just wrap with WWE, but does she really fit the description?
My last thought on this? Of all the names thrown out, Ospreay might make the most sense…and MJF does need a partner…
