Backstage Update On The Elite’s AEW Contract Negotiations, WWE Interest

A new report provides backstage detail on contract negotiations between AEW and The Elite.

Speculation about The Elite’s AEW contract status has been swirling for months as it’s been reported that Adam Page, The Young Bucks, and Kenny Omega are all in the middle of negotiating new deals with the company. Page and the AEW EVP’s have been with the company since its beginning, but as of this point, they have yet to extend their current deals.

Dave Meltzer recently reported that the company was becoming “more aggressive” when it comes to securing new deals with each of the men, but according to a new report from Fightful Select, no deal has been reached as of earlier this week. Sources indicate that both sides feel a deal is “close,” which has been said for quite some time now and has not changed much.

The report also mentions the ongoing tension between the group and CM Punk, who will be making his return to the company on the June 17th debut of Collision. Punk and The Elite were famously involved in a brawl following All Out after Punk made a number of disparaging remarks about both Page and the AEW EVP’s, and reports indicate that Punk is more willing to work with The Elite than the other way around. According to Fightful, there is no update on whether willingness has changed on either side, but creative plans have been in place for all men for quite some time.

Additionally, WWE sources indicated to Fightful that while there would “absolutely” be interest in all four men if they were to become free agents, WWE are “nowhere near being legally able to talk to any of them.” Sources close to The Young Bucks reportedly denied rumors that the Jacksons had reached out to WWE last year.

According to Fightful, most within AEW expect a new deal to be reached and for all four men to sign at significantly more money.