Following an impressive showing against Chris Jericho on the September 28th edition of Dynamite, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that Bandido had been offered an AEW contract, although it wasn’t until recently that Meltzer confirmed that the two parties had agreed to terms, likely due to interest also coming from WWE.
Meltzer has now provided further insight into Bandido’s AEW deal, shedding some light on why the Mexican star ultimately chose AEW over WWE.
“We can confirm the deal is for three years and has a maximum number of dates on it (we don’t have the number but it is more matches than most AEW wrestlers work in a year now, so that shouldn’t be an issue, but that could change if they do house shows). In the end, he realized he couldn’t sign with WWE because he’s got a child in Mexico and his significant other doesn’t want to move from Mexico and he doesn’t want to not see his child all the time. Working for WWE, where they’d want him in NXT at first, would require him to be based in Florida, and if/when he got to the main roster he’d be away from home far more than in AEW.”
-WON
Bandido’s next appearance in AEW is set for tonight’s episode of Rampage, where he’ll take on RUSH in the opening round of the World Title Eliminator Tournament. The winner of said match will then take on Ethan Page, who defeated Eddie Kingston on this past Wednesday’s episode of Dynamite.
The final will take place at AEW Full Gear on Saturday, November 19th, with the eventual title shot scheduled to take place on Devember 14th. On the other side of the bracket, Lance Archer will face Ricky Starks, with the winner of that match facing either Dante Martin or Brian Cage.
