Former WWE Star Not Heading To AEW

One former WWE World Champion won’t be landing in AEW just yet.

WWE made its most recent round of talent cuts in September with the likes of Mustafa Ali, Dolph Ziggler and Shelton Benjamin all being let go. The move came shortly after the company also cut a number of office jobs — something that’s since continued.

The releases naturally sparked speculation that at least some of the names could be heading to AEW, although all involved had non-compete clauses in place. One of the most high-profile names linked with AEW was Dolph Ziggler. The star is a former World Champion, highly regarded within the industry, and his brother also works for promotion.

Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer noted that Ziggler said in a recent Q&A that he plans to take six months to a year off, seemingly pouring cold water on rumours that a move to AEW is imminent.

“For what it’s worth, Nic Nemeth, the former Dolph Ziggler, said he’s like to take six months to a year off.”

Mustafa Ali Could Make AEW Switch

It was recently reported that the AEW door also remains open for Mustafa Ali. In the second half of 2023, Bryan Danielson became increasingly involved backstage and was part of the disciplinary committee that played a role in CM Punk’s departure.

Danielson is known to be a big fan of Ali, which could help his cause if he wants to join the company.