New AEW Signing Turned Down WWE Switch

AEW has made another eye-catching new signing.

On the March 29 edition of Collision, Kevin Knight made his AEW debut with an impressive showing against Jay White. Although Knight was ultimately defeated, it was announced after the match that he’s now officially signed with AEW.

Knight had previously wrestled a dark match at a Dynamite taping on March 12.

The star had been a free agent after leaving NJPW in early January and he was immediately in high demand. Knight was reportedly keen to weigh up his options, which also included WWE.

According to a new report from Mike Johnson of PWInsider, Knight had an “invited try-out” at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida several weeks ago but decided to sign with AEW.

AEW Signs Major International Star

Knight’s official arrival capped off an impressive week for AEW after Mina Shirakawa announced she would become All Elite.

The star revealed her next move after it was reported she would be leaving Stardom in the coming weeks and heading to the United States. Although it was initially reported that a deal with WWE was possible, the Tony Khan-led promotion always appeared the more likely destination.

Shirakawa made several appearances for the promotion through the second half of 2024, and she lost the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Title to Mercedes Mone at Dynasty in January 2025.

Meanwhile, Saraya has officially left AEW after several weeks of heavy speculation. The former Women’s Champion’s contract had been set to expire in September, but it was “mutually agreed” to end the deal early. Saraya has been widely tipped to return to WWE after admitting she’d be open to the move in a series of recent interviews.