5 Reasons AEW Should Sign Cesaro AEW (& 5 Reasons They Shouldn’t)
Cesaro is the hottest free agent on the planet but is AEW’s Tony Khan a Swiss Superman superfan?
Last week, news emerged that Cesaro had walked away from WWE after failing to agree a new contract. This immediately made him the hottest free agent in the world right now. Of course, when it comes to signing top free agents, thoughts inevitably turn to one man and one promotion.
AEW’s Tony Khan has not been reticent to add new and exciting names to his roster when the chance presents itself. In fact, it sometimes feels as though the billionaire wrestling nerd is collecting professional wrestlers like the rest of us might stack up action figures.
Khan also has a good track record with ex-WWE guys. Chris Jericho was announced as a star signing at the first AEW press conference and Jon Moxley was a surprise arrival at their very first live event. The pair went on to be the promotion’s first two champions. Since then the likes of Mr. Brodie Lee, Miro, Bryan Danielson and Adam Cole have all swapped Stamford for Jacksonville.
Keith Lee was the latest, with Jeff Hardy and Shane Strickland already right behind him. It’s reached a point where even Vince McMahon can make light of the situation, suggesting on an investor call, “maybe we can give them some more”.
With no non-compete clause, Cesaro could show up anywhere at any time, should Tony Khan be picking up the phone to strike a deal? Or should he think twice before picking up the Swiss Superman?
10. Reason He Shouldn’t: Roster bloat
Since cutting ties with Kip Sabian, Miro has been absolutely phenomenal in his run as “The Redeemer”. He’s been brutal between the ropes, p*ss funny on the mic and over with fans, but, having recovered from injury, is now waiting for a return plan.
Getting stuck in catering because “creative has nothing for you” is one of the reasons so many guys were fed up in WWE. Now, as AEW’s roster expands, particularly with top-level talent who should be presented like stars, they’re running into some of the same problems. As impressive as Brian Cage can be, news that Tony Khan has extended his contract is frankly bewildering. The guy hasn’t been used in months.
It was great to see Tony picking up guys and giving them work during the pandemic, particularly as he used most of them really well, but as things opened back up he needed to slow down. Some people have of course been too good to miss but that’s far from always the case.
Wrestling is these guys’ livelihood and it’s not fair to single anyone out as a guy who Tony Khan shouldn’t have hired but if he had been a little more selective over the last six months or so there might be more room for Cesaro now.