WWE No Longer Worried About AEW Signing Released Talent?

The ongoing global situation has brought a big change in WWE's stance.

by Andy H Murray
Rusev happy
WWE

A new report from the Wrestling Observer's Dave Meltzer states that WWE is no longer as concerned about AEW or other promotions signing its released wrestlers.

Speaking on a recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Meltzer said that the ongoing global health crisis (and the economic challenges it has brought to the wrestling business) has brought a change in WWE's stance.

AEW, NJPW, ROH, and co. have all been hit harder than WWE, losing considerably bigger percentages of their revenue through their inability to hold attended shows. AEW still turned a profit in April despite this, though it's unlikely that they're in a position to open the chequebook for the likes of The Revolt, Rusev, and Zack Ryder all at once.

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Hoarding talent to prevent other groups from acquiring potential assets has been a key WWE tactic over the past few years. It at least partially explains their colossal talent roster, though they let dozens of performers go as part of their Black Wednesday releases on 15 April, despite the numbers showing they were still on course to make record profits in 2020 without shedding those salaries.

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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.