Heading into this weekend’s Full Gear pay-per-view, AEW President Tony Khan had teased a major announcement, setting the stage for a significant addition to the All Elite roster. On the night of the event, anticipation reached a fever pitch as fans eagerly awaited the revelation of this blockbuster signing.
As Tony Khan stood in the center of the ring, the wrestling world held its breath. But instead of the expected newcomer, current IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay made his entrance. However, there was a twist to the tale.
Ospreay, amidst speculation about his potential move to AEW, clarified that while he was indeed signing with All Elite Wrestling, he still had commitments to fulfill with his current employer, New Japan Pro Wrestling. Despite his NJPW contract not expiring until February, Ospreay assured fans that there had been discussions and agreements made between the two promotions.
According to reports from Fightful Select, Ospreay’s ability to sign with AEW while remaining in the United Kingdom was facilitated by the close relationship between AEW and NJPW. Talks between the parties had intensified in the early fall, with optimism growing about securing a deal.
Interestingly, it was revealed that WWE had also expressed interest in Ospreay, with inquiries made about his schedule and a potential relocation to the United States. However, AEW managed to seal the deal before their competitors.
During a post-show media scrum, Ospreay expressed his gratitude towards AEW and his excitement about the opportunity to compete on a weekly TV platform. He also thanked New Japan Pro Wrestling for their support, indicating that he would still be able to fulfill some dates with their promotion with Tony Khan’s blessing.
With this blockbuster signing, AEW continues to make waves in the wrestling world, solidifying its position as a major player in the industry. As fans eagerly await Ospreay’s debut, the landscape of professional wrestling undergoes yet another exciting shift. Stay tuned for more updates as the story unfolds.
**HAS AEW SIGNED THIS FORMER WWE CHAMP?**
Another major debut rocked the wrestling world in recent days, this time in the realm of Ring of Honor. During a Friday night taping, former WWE and SmackDown Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey made a surprise appearance alongside Marina Shafir.
Rousey’s involvement in a tag team match fueled speculation about a potential crossover to AEW or ROH television. A subsequent statement from Tony Khan during a media scrum shed light on the situation, confirming that while Rousey had appeared for AEW, she was not signed to a contract.
According to reports from The Wrestling Observer, Rousey’s appearance was a one-off deal, with the possibility of future collaborations if she chooses to pursue them. The decision to include her in the match was attributed to her close ties with Shafir, who has been accompanying her to independent wrestling appearances.
While Rousey’s future in AEW remains uncertain, her cameo adds yet another layer of intrigue to the promotion’s ongoing narrative. As fans speculate about potential matchups and storylines, AEW continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in professional wrestling.