Wrestling fans are apparently in for a surprise as AEW President Tony Khan is back to teasing more signings. The ‘All Elite’ boss has revealed that a major signing will take place on an upcoming edition of Dynamite. Khan has disclosed his plans of signing more high-profile free agents while speaking on Busted Open Radio. This was followed by a tweet, in which he expressed his appreciation for Isiah Kassidy’s fabulous losing effort against the TNT Champion Sammy Guevara. Consequently, Kassidy has been granted a shot to qualify for the Face of the Revolution Match.
With a great showing in tonight’s #AEWRampage TNT Title bout @IsiahKassidy has earned a qualifying match for a spot in the Face of the Revolution ladder match with a TNT Title shot at stake! His opponent will debut Wednesday + sign a contract with AEW!
Isiah vs ? on #AEWDynamite! pic.twitter.com/298rzWyfe6— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) February 5, 2022
What’s more surprising here is Kassidy’s unknown opponent that Khan has hyped up in his tweets. Stating that a free agent will walk through the Forbidden Door and will sign an AEW contract, Khan has added to the wide speculations. As the wrestling community goes gaga over this upcoming signing, we take a look at the potential candidates that will walk through the Forbidden Door.
AEWs Free Agent Signing – Who Could Open The Forbidden Door?
Keith Lee
Starting off our list with the former NXT Champion, Keith Lee, who has completed his 90-day non-compete clause with WWE. Lee is rumored to be on the verge of joining AEW, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter‘s Dave Meltzer. Meltzer has also hinted at a contract already been signed by Lee with All Elite Wrestling.
Keith Lee signed with WWE in 2018 and haa built upon his rich history on the independent scene. He won both the NXT and the NXT North American Championship, becoming a double-champion during what can inarguably be called his best spell with the company. Keith Lee was released by WWE in November 2021, meaning that his 90-day non-compete clause expired this Wednesday, adding to his chances of being AEWs free agent signing.
Jeff Hardy
Let’s not forget that the debutant will be wrestling against Kassidy for a spot in the Face of the Revolution match. The Face of the Revolution match involves ladders, a brass ring, and tons of high-flying maneuvers.
This brings us to the man whose actions speak for himself- Jeff Hardy. In a highly regrettable decision by the WWE, Hardy was released back in December and his no-compete clause ends in Mid-March. However, given Malakai Black’s surprise debut and shorter than standard no-compete length, anything is possible in this business.
No matter what happens next, Hardy remains one of the top names available to AEW. Jeff’s return to his brother’s side will eventually lead to the reunion of one of the most iconic tag-teams of the sport, ‘The Hardy Boys.’
Johnny Gargano
Despite not showing up at AEW Beach Break, to a multitude of cheering fans, Johnny Gargano hasn’t hurt his chances of debuting at All Elite Wrestling. The former NXT Champion, whose WWE contract expired in December 2021, has acknowledged his fans who were chanting his name at AEW’s special edition of Dynamite.
I heard you and you have no idea how much it means to me that you're excited to see me back at it.
It's scary to step away because your insecurities say "they'll forget about you".. but you haven't forgotten and I promise that I will make it up to you asap. #JohnnyWrestling ❤
— Johnny Gargano (@JohnnyGargano) January 27, 2022
He is currently taking time off from professional wrestling due to he and his wife, Candice LeRae, expecting a child. However, we cannot rule out the theory that he could be the wrestler showing up on Dynamite.
All Elite Wrestling has already brought Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, Bobby Fish, Malakai Black, Mercedes Martinez, and Ruby Soho to their brand. Gargano can, soon enough, add his name to the list and provide the fans with a fresh character that they can cherish under a completely new banner.
Killer Kross
Killer Kross, f.k.a. Karrion Kross stands as a decent candidate for Wednesday’s free-agent spot. The former WWE NXT champion has recently expressed his interest in All Elite Wrestling and with his 90-day non-compete clause with WWE long overdue, he is free to work with other promotions.
Listing Kross’s achievements might not be an easy task. But it must be mentioned, he has been a 2-time NXT champion, and won titles across multiple promotions. He has also been ranked No. 16 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2021. One of his most memorable matches involved beating the likes of Adam Cole, Kyle O’Reilly, Johnny Gargano, and Pete Dunn in a fatal five-way match at NXT TakeOver: In Your House. Owing to some misdirection by WWE, Kross was deprived of his mainstream character, elaborate entrance, and partner, Scarlette Bordeaux. However, AEW can be an excellent new home for the wrestler.
Honorable Mentions
While these wrestlers hold an extra edge over others when it comes to being AEWS free agent signing, there are still multiple wrestlers that could appear on Dynamite. Samoa Joe, now a free agent, is another huge prospect who could end up signing a contract with the company. The unjust treatment provided by WWE to him could also explain the backstory behind Khan’s tweet about slamming the Forbidden Door shut.
Mustafa Ali is another name that would receive a massive pop on Dynamite next week. Ali, however, hasn’t been released by WWE yet, thus turning this debut into a fairytale for the time being. Free agents like Adam Scherr, EC3, Sin Cara, Buddy Mathews, and many more could also carry the potential of shocking the audience with a debut. Nevertheless, Tony Khan’s teasing has done its job and the wrestling community is thrilled to witness what the AEW owner has up his sleeves.
Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world. As well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. You can catch AEW Dynamite Wednesday nights at 8 PM ET on TNT and AEW Dark: Elevation (Monday nights) and AEW: Dark (Tuesday nights) at 7 PM ET on YouTube. AEW Rampage airs on TNT at 10 PM EST every Friday night.
