A former NXT Champion who was one of Triple H’s last hand-picked stars for the brand is reportedly close to being free of his AEW contract.
After an impressive start to their first few years in existence, AEW has had a notable downturn in business. Due to some questionable booking and management decisions over the last two years, the company has lost a lot of momentum with fans. It has resulted in declining ticket sales and views for the promotion’s product.
Related: New Reports Reveal AEW Backstage Frustration With Tony Khan’s Booking Style Intensifying
Making matters worse is that at the same time WWE has awoken from their slumber and under the management of Paul “Triple H” Levesque and Nick Khan the company has caught fire. Posting record numbers in ticket sales, merchandise, and views. Unsurprisingly, we have seen a notable exodus of AEW talent departing to work for the competition.
Over just the last year, AEW veterans like Ethan Page, Lexis King, Ricky Starks, Penta and Andrade have all switched sides. And there have been rumors that Malakai Black, Miro, and Rey Fenix could all be next. Well, a new rumor added another notable name to the list this week.
Is Keith Lee leaving AEW very soon?
In a post on X Friday, Wrestle Purists report Ibou wrote “If injury time isn’t added, I’m pretty sure Keith Lee’s deal is up.” The comment was in response to a new report or rumblings there could be several names departing AEW in March.
Lee has not been seen in AEW in over a year due to a mysterious health concern that has sidelined him. A recent report revealed that he was backstage at an event this month. He may have been meeting with management to figure out how they will handle the imminent end of his contract.
The veteran wrestler was one of the most dominant forces NXT ever saw when he was the first man to win both the North American and NXT titles. Lee was one of the final major stars during Triple H’s last days running the brand. However, he was treated far differently on the main roster and Vince McMahon could not figure out how to use the highly athletic big man. He was released by WWE in 2022.
Related: Booker T Explains Why Malakai Black And Miro Are Leaving AEW Using His Forgettable Run In TNA
