Why Bandido Just Rejected WWE For AEW
Bandido had a WWE offer on the table before signing with AEW. Here's why he turned it down...
Bandido's decision to sign with AEW over WWE ultimately came down to family matters, with the former ROH Champion basing his choice on his partner and child.
Dave Meltzer reports in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Bandido, who received offers from both major American promotions, didn't want to move from Mexico. Neither did his significant other. As Bandido doesn't want to spend significant time away from his child, he couldn't take the WWE deal.
Signing with WWE would have necessitated moving from Mexico to Florida as the market leaders would have initially assigned Bandido to NXT, which is based out of Orlando. Then, should he make it to the main roster, the touring schedule would be more intense, with the high-flyer away from home more often than he would be in AEW.
AEW operates a less-demanding schedule than its closest competition. Television tapings and pay-per-views are its only current commitments, as the Tony Khan-helmed group doesn't run house shows. Although WWE has scaled back on dates in recent years, it still requires wrestlers to travel for untelevised live events, typically at the weekend.
Bandido Turned WWE Down For AEW
PWInsider's Mike Johnson was the first to report that Bandido had officially signed with AEW a few weeks ago. In the Observer, Meltzer confirms that the 27-year-old has a three-year deal with AEW. His contract includes a maximum number of dates, too, but while there's no word on the exact amount, it is said to be more bouts than most AEW stars wrestle every year.
Bandido made a great impression while wrestling ROH Champion Chris Jericho on Dynamite's 28 September episode. AEW reportedly offered him a contract immediately after the match. WWE, meanwhile, were so enamoured with Bandido's performance that they were trying to get his phone number during the bout itself.
With offers from AEW and WWE on the table, Bandido was left with a choice. The saga ultimately concluded with him joining Khan's promotion.
Bandido wrestles Rush on tonight's AEW Rampage. Spoilers for their first-round World Title Eliminator Tournament bout are already out there, as the episode was taped on Wednesday.