Former WWE Title-Holder Debuts At AEW Dark Tapings

Notes on a big AEW in-ring debut at yesterday's Dark tapings at Universal Studios.

by Andy H Murray
Tony Nese silhouette
WWE

Tony Nese made his in-ring debut for AEW at yesterday's Dark tapings in Orlando, Florida.

Attendee Jacob Cohen tweeted that Nese wrestled a presumed enhancement talent by the name of DeMarcio James on the show. Wrestling photographer JJ Williams then posted the following images of Nese making his ring entrance:-

This comes following Nese's surprise appearance on last week's special Saturday episode of AEW DYnamite, where he was sat at ringside, the cameras catching him taking in the action during the Dustin Rhodes vs. Bryan Danielson and Eddie Kingston vs. Lance Archer matches in the ongoing World Title Eliminator tournament.

There is currently no word as to whether or not AEW has signed Nese.

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Nese, 36, has been a free agent since being released by WWE alongside a number of other NXT and 205 Live wrestlers on 25 June. His 90-day non-compete clause expired on September, legally freeing him up to appear and sign for other wrestling promotions.

Best known for a 77-day run as WWE Cruiserweight Champion, which kicked off with a win over Buddy Murphy at WrestleMania 35, Nese has worked only a handful of independent dates since leaving WWE.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.