WWE is heating up their talent acquisition, and reaching out to plenty of talent across the world. One situation may have come as a surprise, however.
A source close to AEW tells Fightful Select that a notable AEW talent -- who is known to be under contract -- has reported to AEW management that WWE had reached out to them about coming to WWE. We're told the talent made it clear they are happy with AEW, and felt like higher ups deserved to know. The performer had also stated to the higher ups that they didn't have a desire to leave All Elite Wrestling. We've since learned that the talent told Tony Khan directly.
In digging more, we're told that the claim was that a member of WWE's talent relations department contacted the AEW talent. The source close to AEW had indicated to Fightful that they'd referred the call to their representation instead of speaking directly. We were able to confirm that claim with the actual performer, though they wish to remain anonymous as of now. It's worth noting that while we can verify the claim was made, we've learned nothing more about the alleged contact.
Sources familiar with the situation had told Fightful there was no mistake this performer was already under a full-time contract. There's nothing illegal about this tactic, and there's no oversight committee or player's association that prevents this. In the past, WWE has claimed they're very particular about not contract tampering.
In recent weeks, WWE has re-signed Karrion Kross, Scarlett Bordeaux, B-Fab, Dakota Kai, Top Dolla, Ashante Thee Adonis, and extended IYO SKY's WWE deal.
Fightful reached out to WWE reps, who have not responded to our request for comment or context.
Since publishing this article, we've heard from two other talent who say they've been felt out by WWE.
This article first appeared on our premium service, Fightful Select and was republished here on Fightful. If you complain about it being "old news," you have to hack into all other competing websites and steal their scoops. Subscribe to get exclusive news every day, and a half-dozen weekly podcasts.
To directly support us and our continuing breaking news, interviews, and the like, subscribe to FightfulSelect.com. You'll get exclusive news sent to you directly before anyone else, and dozens of podcasts monthly including Alex Pawlowski's Sour Graps, Sean Ross Sapp's Q&A, Retro Reviews and more
