Report: Several AEW Stars DON'T Have Non-Compete Contract Clauses

A number of AEW wrestlers WON'T be tied to non-compete periods should they leave the company.

by Andy H Murray
The Elite
AEW

A number of AEW wrestlers aren't bound to non-compete clauses, meaning that should they ever choose to leave the promotion, they won't enter a period in which they are legally restricted to work and sign for other promotions.

Fightful Select has reported as much. Unlike WWE, where non-compete clauses are a contractual standard, some AEW deals do not place such sanctions on outgoing talent.

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WWE typically saddles main roster contracts with 90-day non-competes. For NXT/developmental wrestlers, it is typically 30 days.

Fightful note that because AEW generally doesn't release talent early, outside of extenuating circumstances, the promotion hasn't had a reason to utilise non-compete clauses. When talents do end up leaving AEW before their deals come up, the situation is judged on a case-by-case basis.

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CM Punk was cited as an example of somebody who, if he was let out of his contract, would likely have to contend with a non-compete preventing him from going to WWE for a set period.

A number of AEW wrestlers' contracts are up for renewal in 2023, including Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks. Typically, a WWE wrestler whose deal expires wouldn't face a non-compete.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.