Add as a preferred source on Google AEW president Tony Khan says he’s keeping a close eye on the free agent market at one of the busiest stretches of the year for pro wrestling.
Khan fielded a question from Dave Meltzer during a press conference on Thursday to promote AEW Redemption, where Meltzer asked him about the wrestlers who have recently become available. Khan didn’t name anyone specifically, but he made his position clear.
“Tony Khan says he is keeping an eye on the free agent market. There are a lot of talented people that were fired or cut and he’s very cognizant of that.”
The comments came on the same day the 90-day non-compete clauses expired for 12 wrestlers WWE released on April 24. Among them are Kairi Sane, Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Santos Escobar, the Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley), Bo Dallas, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Erick Rowan and Zoey Stark.
With those clauses now expired, all of them are free to negotiate, sign, and appear for other companies immediately. So far, though, there’s no confirmation that AEW has opened talks with any of the wrestlers mentioned.
One name connected in some way to the free agent picture is Bayley. The former champion’s WWE contract is expected to run out before the end of 2026, provided no injury time is added to extend it.
AEW has reportedly been tracking the situation for close to a year and is expected to put together an offer if she does become available.