Will Austin Aries Join WWE When His TNA Deal Expires?

The contract of former TNA World Champion Austin Aries is apparently set to expire at the end of June following TNA's Slammiversary PPV on June 28. There are legitimate questions about whether or not he's going to stay with the company, if they can afford him or if he would take his talents elsewhere. Aries has a career similar to a lot of the top names in TNA in that he's been to the top of the company, but he never really made it in WWE. In fact, he tried out for WWE Tough Enough in 2011 and even though he was a far superior in-ring performer than anybody there, they passed on him probably because he's only about 5'9" and 200 pounds. It was one of those ridiculous things that confused fans because if the show is about picking the best talent then he certainly should have been there. Instead, WWE chose to pass on him with Aries commenting about it in the past saying it was like auditioning for a television show rather than a wresting company. There's a chance that WWE may have an interest now because as we noted earlier in the week, they have a renewed interest in AJ Styles since they want more big name non-WWE talent due to the fact that WWE wants a third touring brand based around NXT. Aries is 37 years old and has wrestled for 15 years, so he wouldn't need to spend time in WWE developmental at all. Since Triple H has taken over talent relations in the last few years, he has shown a willingness to sign some of he better in-ring workers that were available. Perhaps they have their eye on the Aries situation although they might not be interested since he's a TNA guy. It's hard to really know what WWE is thinking. If Aries doesn't re-sign in TNA then he has other options with promotions like Ring of Honor where he's been before, New Japan Pro Wrestling, Global Force Wresting, Lucha Underground or other indy promotions that have shows on the weekends. Chances are good that a guy as talented him would find consistent work anywhere he goes. Aries has all the tools to be a star in any wrestling company and if he becomes available, WWE should really consider him. Then again, maybe he wouldn't want to go there since they foolishly passed on him before. It's definitely a situation we'll keep a close eye on in the weeks to come.