With Triple H now at the helm ot WWE’s Talent Relations division, numerous formerly released stars including Karrion Kross, Hit Row, Johnny Gargano, and Dakota Kai amongst others have made their returns to the company, with more returns seemingly still on the horizon. As well as tapping into the free agent market, reports have also emerged revealing that WWE have made contact with several former WWE stars that now find themselves in AEW, leading to Tony Khan taking legal action.
Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has now provided an update into WWE’s contact with AEW stars, as well as the subsequent legal action on AEW’s end. Additionally Meltzer, revealed that “at least one person” has requested their AEW release since contact was made, although this hasn’t been granted.
“Regarding the talent approached by WWE, as we noted last week it was multiple people, generally the people who had worked with Paul Levesque in he past in NXT. Several told AEW which led to the legal letter sent to Levesque, Stephanie and Nick Khan. There was at least one person who asked for his release, which hasn’t been granted and the person has a long time left on his deal”
-WON
Whilst Meltzer never explicitly revealed the identity of the AEW talent in question, Raj Giri of Wrestling Inc reported last night that Malakai Black (FKA Aleister Black in WWE) had requested his release, with Tony Khan choosing not to grant his request, and thus Malakai Black may potentially be the name Meltzer is alluding to here.
I heard an AEW star requested their release, and follow up sources indicate it was Malakai Black. He reportedly has repeatedly shown concerns about his mental health due to personal life and demoralization due to the booking and handling of his character. (1)
— Raj Giri (@TheRajGiri) September 2, 2022
Time will tell as to how WWE’s inquiries affect the landscape of AEW, with some former NXT talents possibly having their heads turned by the prospect of a main roster run they can feel secure with creatively.
