AEW Deny Release Request Of Unnamed Star

Following news of Bobby Fish’s departure, another AEW star wanted to follow in his footsteps – until their request for release was denied.

With as big a roster as AEW currently possesses, it’s impossible to keep everyone happy. A mandatory talent meeting held prior to the 24 August Dynamite saw many stars’ tension eased, but not everyone was convinced by what Tony Khan and the other AEW higher-ups had to say.

Per Dave Meltzer in this week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, a current AEW star requested to be released from their contract, though they were denied. It’s unknown who, exactly, this was, though they reportedly have a number of years left on their current deal:

“Regarding the talent approached by WWE, as we noted last week it was multiple people, generally the people who had worked with Paul Levesque in he past in NXT. Several told AEW which led to the legal letter sent to Levesque, Stephanie and Nick Khan. There was at least one person who asked for his release, which hasn’t been granted and the person has a long time left on his deal.”

Though this wasn’t alluded to, it’s plausible that this report is linked to Malakai Black. Wrestling Inc.’s Raj Giri reported that ‘The Dutch Destroyer’ had requested his release from the company, though it wasn’t approved. Tony Khan noted previously that both Black and ex-NXT foe Adam Cole have several years left in AEW.

Bobby Fish was the latest name to leave AEW, as was confirmed by both Dave Meltzer and Bryan Alvarez on the recent Wrestling Observer Radio. He’d last been seen a few weeks ago when The Undisputed Elite separated itself from The Young Bucks.