AEW has gone back and forth about the potential of a roster split, with Tony Khan saying “not as of now” in recent interviews. We’ve since learned more about it.
As far back as a month ago, there were preparations and details sent out in All Elite Wrestling indicating that there would be two distinct rosters for Collision and Dynamite. However, there were special exceptions to be made, especially for champions.
The move at the time was met with mixed reactions internally. There were several wrestlers who weren’t happy they’d be missing out on signings and independent bookings, which is something AEW has long looked at as a luxury, as AEW is the first priority on all of their contracted talents. However, there were some that were happy about the move as an effort to minimize the drama and backstage squabbles we’ve heard about over the last several years in AEW.
Originally planned for a hard split, some on the roster were then told it’d be a softer split, before being told there would be some natural sharing between the rosters. WBD sources we spoke to said that they preferred no split, but under the right circumstances, anything could work.
We’re told that the “transfer portal” trademark was supposed to be in relation to the brand spit, but that they’ve tabled the idea for the time being. There were several within AEW who were confused by the constant changes.
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