Report: Multiple AEW Stars Want To Jump To WWE
A major talent exodus isn't expected, but several AEW wrestlers are looking to jump to WWE.
Several AEW wrestlers may be looking to jump ship to WWE at the moment, reports Dave Meltzer.
The Wrestling Observer scribe tweeted as much on Sunday evening. Responding to a Twitter user who had asked if fans should expect a "mass exodus" of talent from AEW to WWE, Meltzer stated that while he doesn't expect departures on that scale, "a few" competitors want to make the move. The cards, however, are in AEW founder and CEO Tony Khan's hands.
Said Meltzer:-
Looks like a few right now. I don't think a mass exodus but looks like a few want to go. Tony can legally keep them and not sure how everything will play out. https://t.co/PZlesWPSos
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) September 25, 2022
These comments come in the wake of news that Malakai Black is looking to return to WWE after securing his AEW release earlier in the month. Whether or not this will be possible anytime soon is unclear, however, as it is believed that AEW granted Black a "conditional" release, which may include restrictions on heading to the market leaders.
Malakai's former House of Black stablemate, Buddy Matthews, has also been linked with an AEW exit in recent times. The Australian and tag partner Brody King have both moved to shoot this talk down, however.
Since the company's inception, AEW has not made a habit of letting wrestlers go before their contracts expire. Names like Jimmy Havoc, released amidst sexual misconduct allegations, stand as exceptions.