New Restrictions Placed On AEW Talent

AEW stars won’t be heading to Las Vegas.

Up until recent years, WWE had strict rules about its contracted wrestlers appearing for other promotions. This meant that if Superstars weren’t being used on WWE television, they were unable to get reps in elsewhere, leaving them sitting on the sidelines.

However, AEW has traditionally taken a very different approach, allowing wrestlers to continue to take independent bookings as long as they’re run by management. This subject has come to the fore in recent weeks after it was confirmed Ricky Starks requested his release, only to have it turned down. Instead, Starks will continue to wrestle on the independent scene until his contract expires.

However, some of his fellow stars might have to think carefully about their next move.

AEW Implementing New Restrictions

Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer stated that “younger” AEW talent won’t be allowed to take matches in Las Vegas during WrestleMania week. WrestleMania 41 is due to take place on April 19th and 20th, at Allegiant Stadium, but WWE will be in the area for several days.

According to somebody involved with booking talent at the independent level, AEW younger talent are not allowed to do matches in Las Vegas over WrestleMania week.

The move comes as AEW has appeared to become stricter with talent in recent weeks and months. As well the situation around Ricky Starks, Rey Fenix remains under AEW contract, with the company adding time to his deal in 2024. This means he’s unable to join his brother Penta in WWE for several months.

The decision has split fans, with some believing Fenix should be released as the company apparently has no desire to use him, while his merchandise has also been pulled.