On November 3, AEW announced the signings of Anthony Bowens and Max Caster, together known as The Acclaimed.
Both had been featured on AEW Dark during the pandemic and made their debut as a team against The Best Friends on October 27.
Thanks to their appearances on AEW Dark and getting an opportunity despite the lack of Independent wrestling shows, more companies than just AEW was interested in the duo.
Appearing on Busted Open Radio, Tommy Dreamer revealed Brian Myers pitched Bowens and Caster joining IMPACT Wrestling before they signed with AEW.
Bowens commented on IMPACT interest, saying, "We did have other options, that's something that was real and aware to us. We met with Tony [Khan] and he blew us away and sold us on the idea of a tag team. Especially as two singles wrestlers who have built their whole career and learning process on singles wrestling. To say, 'We want you guys in a tag team, something neither of you do on a regular basis.' He was a great salesman and sold us on it. I couldn't be happier with the decision. AEW is a great company and a great place to work. We are The Acclaimed for a reason because we do come with a lot of acclaim. Tommy just said IMPACT was considering us, other places were considering us. We picked AEW and we found a perfect name from Tony."
Dreamer noted that with IMPACT losing The Rascalz, they were looking for new talent to replace them.
Since losing to The Best Friends, Bowens and Caster have won three straight matches on AEW Dark. They are set to take on Alex Chamberlain & Damian Fenrir on Tuesday's AEW Dark.
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