EVERY Wrestler AEW Has Ever Released - Where Are They Now?
For some wrestlers, being future endeavoured by AEW is the end; for others, it's a new beginning.
Since AEW's arrival in 2019, the promotion has gone from strength to strength, signing some major pro wrestling talent and proving to be the only major competitor WWE has seen in at least two decades.
Beginning with Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega, and going on to hire some of the biggest draws in wrestling, AEW has sustained its aggressive entry into the global scene with a mix of old stars and up-and-coming talent. And with WWE Hall Of Famer Adam Copeland (Edge) having just made his AEW debut, this machine doesn't show any signs of stopping.
But that doesn't mean everyone has been able to stick it out.
A small pool of talent have been released from the promotion due to the restrictions of the global pandemic, personal burn out, physical injuries or, as is the case with an unfortunate few, big-time scandal, with certain departures amicable and others citing serious cause. For some, this is just a snag on the path to victory, for many it's the end of the road.
Now let's get off the sidelines and take a look at all the wrestlers AEW has released, the reasons why, and where they are now.
10. Kylie Rae
Though the name Kylie Rae hasn't been associated with AEW for quite some time now, back when the promotion began she was one of the very first signings in their women's division. She made her AEW in-ring debut against Britt Baker, Awesome Kong and Nyla Rose for the four-way PPV event Double or Nothing.
Although advertised as facing Allie for the first ever Fyter Fest, Kylie parted from the company before the event ever took place. Although rumours swirled around her sudden disappearance, AEW President Tony Khan confirmed that her release from the company was amicable, and Kylie herself eventually took to social media to report that she needed time to work on herself.
Smiley Kylie has since dipped in and out of the pro wrestling world, first with Impact before a short retirement and stint in rehab, then a patchy stint with NWA, and most recently WWE. Following her WWE tryout and her official Main Event bout debut under the name Briana Ray, she remains a free agent -- and good thing, too, as she is currently expecting her first child.