New Backstage Details On AEW Signing Jay Lethal

A backstage update on how Jay Lethal's AEW signing came together.

by Andy H Murray
Jay Lethal
AEW

Jay Lethal was presented to the world as an AEW wrestler at Full Gear 2021, where he was presented to the live crowd ahead of Kenny Omega and 'Hangman' Adam Page's main event.

The former ROH Champion immediately challenged AEW TNT Champion Sammy Guevara in his debut promo. That match happened on this week's episode of Dynamite, with The Inner Circle ceremonially welcoming Lethal to AEW after Guevara's victory.

Dave Meltzer reports in this week's Wrestling Observer Newsletter that AEW and Lethal actually agreed to terms on a contract a few weeks ago. Ring Of Honor, who recently cut their entire talent roster ahead of a four-month hiatus, had agreed to release anybody who received an offer from elsewhere. This was the case for Lethal, who is done with the promotion completely.

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Though Lethal is the only ex-ROH wrestler to join AEW so far, The Briscoe Brothers were due to be backstage at this week's episode of Dynamite.

Lethal was signed by AEW despite multiple open, unresolved allegations of sexual misconduct against the 36-year-old, who was named as part of Kelly Klein's lawsuit against ROH and parent company Sinclair Broadcast Group in February.

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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.