Report: WWE Believe This Released Wrestler Is Going To AEW
Is one of WWE's released wrestlers on their way to AEW? WWE seem to think so...
People within WWE believe that the former Malcolm Bivens, Stokely Hathway, is heading to All Elite Wrestling.
Dave Meltzer writes in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Hathaway's recent decision to reject a WWE contract extension was the product of his apparent desire to go to AEW following his non-complete clause's expiration. As he was let go by the market leaders on 29 April, his 30 days should expire on Sunday 29 May.
Hathaway was released alongside nine other NXT 2.0 talents as part of WWE's latest round of "budget cuts". Joining him as free agents on 29 May are the likes of TV regulars Dakota Kai, Persia Pirotta, and Dexter Lumis.
It was reported at the time of his departure that having signed a short-term WWE extension, Hathaway rejected a second one prior to being let go. The former Diamond Mine member later confirmed this during a stand-up comedy performance.
At the same show, Hathaway suggested that unless the right offer came along, he considers himself done with professional wrestling for now (h/t POST Wrestling):-
And people ask me or they have been asking me, you know, ‘Malcolm, is this it for you? Is this it as far as professional wrestling goes?’ And for now, I have to say yes, have to say yes but, will I come back? Maybe, maybe. Maybe for the right price.