Entertainment
AEW Dynamite surprise signing: Ex-WWE stars Keith Lee, Jeff Hardy, Bray Wyatt and more possibilities
Who will the mystery signing be? (Picture: WWE)
AEW boss Tony Khan is announcing a new signing on tonight’s Dynamite with fans wondering if the likes of Bray Wyatt, Keith Lee or Jeff Hardy could show up.
The company has a reputation for delivering big surprises, with Bryan Danielson, Ruby Soho and Adam Cole all arriving in one night at All Out in September 2021, and the likes of WCW icon Sting making a shock debut at the Winter Is Coming special in December 2020.
The latest tease comes with a number of stars – including Lee and the likes of Karrion Kross – now free agents, while Wyatt (real name Windham Rotunda), Braun Strowman (Adam Scherr) and more are available.
Some fans have even wondered whether WWE star Mustafa Ali – whose recent release request was rejected by the company – could appear, regardless of his contractual status.
Khan has built up expectations for the show, promising a ‘huge signing’, having previously confirmed the name in question is a free agent.
With that said, here are some of the big names being thrown around, and our thoughts on whether or not they could show up.
Keith Lee
Is Keith Lee heading to AEW? (Picture: WWE)
Keith Lee and his wife Mia Yim were both released from WWE in November last year, and their 90-day non-compete clause has now expired, with the Limitless One himself being a clear favourite to make his AEW debut.
After having a star-making moments with Brock Lesnar in the 2020 Royal Rumble and a fantastic run in NXT – having already built a brilliant reputation on the independent scene – there’s no doubt he would be a fantastic signing for the company.
He carries himself like a star, he’s a free agent, and he’s someone fans have been desperate to see shine – and he’s our bet.
Jeff Hardy
Jeff Hardy still has time on his non-complete clause (Picture: WWE)
WWE legend Jeff Hardy was released by the company after he refused to go to rehab following an incident at a live event.
There seems to be little doubt he’s heading to AEW one day given his brother Matt’s comments on the matter, but tonight might come too soon.
The Charismatic Enigma’s non-compete clause doesn’t expire until March, and while there is precedent for talent being let out early, it seems unlikely WWE would hand such a huge name over to the competition.
‘The Fiend’ Bray Wyatt (Windham Rotunda)
Could Bray Wyatt step through the so-called Forbidden Door? (Picture: WWE)
This would be a game changer, with Bray Wyatt – real name Windham Rotunda – growing into one of the most creative minds in recent memory with his Fiend character.
He’s given no hint of a wrestling return since his shock departure from WWE last summer, and the only concrete update on his future at all came in November when his collaborator Jason Baker exclusively told Metro.co.uk he was set to work on his first feature film.
With Wyatt set to make moves in Hollywood in the near future, could now be the time for an in-ring comeback to get his name back out there? Stranger things have happened.
Mustafa Ali
Mustafa Ali recently requested his WWE release (Picture: WWE)
This one has almost no chance of happening, but some fans have still built up the idea in their heads.
Mustafa Ali took to Twitter last month and revealed he’s requested his WWE release, but thus far it seems the company won’t be obliging and he’s still under contract.
It would be game-changing if he did jump ship, but is incredibly unlikely to happen.
Samoa Joe
Samoa Joe would be a great signing for AEW (Picture: WWE)
Former NXT Champion Samoa Joe’s name hasn’t been mentioned a great deal in connection with this rumour with other names stealing the spotlight, but this would be massive.
The Samoan Submission Machine was released by WWE for a second time at the beginning of January, and so his 30-day non-compete clause – as he was an NXT talent at the time – would have run out now.
He’d be a great signing for Tony Khan as a performer who’s proven he can do it all at a high level, but also as someone who had worked for Vince McMahon’s company as a scout towards the end of his tenure.
Karrion Kross
Karrion Kross is another potential signing (Picture: WWE)
While Karrion Kross could certainly make his debut following his WWE exit last year, he might not be the big name people are hyping themselves up for.
Kross and his partner Scarlett Bordeaux have got people talking after fumbling over their words in an online signing when Atlantic City – the location of tonight’s show – got brought up, which points towards them making an appearance.
However, after fans even got underwhelmed by genuine legend Christian Cage signing with AEW next year, the company needs a home run here with a stronger track record.
Braun Strowman (Adam Scherr)
Could the former Monster Among Men join the roster? (Picture: WWE)
Although Braun Strowman – real name Adam Scherr – isn’t a forerunner for tonight, he’s available and wouldn’t be the worst signing.
He might not seem like an easy fit for AEW given its focus on smaller, faster performers, but that’s exactly why he shouldn’t be ruled out.
The ex-WWE superstar is former world champion with big name value, experience in the main event and a unique presence which would separate him from the rest of the roster.
Will Ospreay, Kazuchika Okada, Jay White and Johnny Gargano
Rounding off the list, here is another trio of names being thrown around – but none of them seem likely as Tony Khan’s latest big signing.
More: US TV news
In Ospreay, White and Okada’s case, they are signed to New Japan Pro Wrestling, which not only goes against the ‘free agent’ notion, but also doesn’t make sense given the working agreement the company shares with AEW.
Meanwhile, Johnny Gargano – who left WWE in December 2021 – has been vocal about his desire to stay at home with his pregnant wife Candice Le Rae until she’s given birth to their first baby.
So, who’s it going to be? It’s anyone’s guess, but AEW have got everyone talking before what promises to be another eventful edition of Dynamite.
AEW Dynamitea airs Wednesday nights at 1am on Fite TV.
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