Backstage Update On AEW Signing Brodie Lee & Lance Archer

AEW remain locked in negotiations with the beefy duo.

by Andy H Murray
Brodie Lee Lance Archer
WWE/NJPW

Brodie Lee, Lance Archer, and Brian Cage are three names that have been linked extensively with All Elite Wrestling in recent weeks, and that latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has updates on all three.

With regards to the former Luke Harper, while his WWE no-compete clause expires as soon as 12 February, he is expected to debut for AEW on the 18 March episode of Dynamite. Why? Because it goes down in his Rochester, New York hometown, guaranteeing a big reception for Lee, who should officially sign for AEW soon.

Dave Meltzer's writeup confirms last week's Sports Illustrated story on Archer's AEW contract talks. While Dave notes that it isn't a done deal yet, negotiations are "far enough along that angles have been talked about." There's currently no word on whether or not Archer would be allowed to keep working with NJPW (a la Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley) if he signed.

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Brian Cage, meanwhile, is on ice. He tore his biceps prior to Impact Wrestling's recent Hard to Kill pay-per-view and while it looks like he's done with that company, he's currently staring down the barrel of a potential 7-8 month absence from the sport.

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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.