With the new year well underway, the wrestling industry enters an interesting period in history, as WWE has already secured TV deals for NXT and SmackDown while still attempting to secure the rights to RAW before the deadline this fall.
AEW has a media rights deal with Warner Bros Discovery for the rest of the year, but it still needs to sign a new deal. With the CW Network and the cocaine spot controversy, the NWA’s future remains uncertain, while MLW seeks to increase its market share in the United States. This means more money for more businesses, as well as more money for talent with options.
With the start of the new year, several wrestlers have officially entered the free agent market, according to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select.
First up is QT Marshall, who left the company after adamantly stating that he wanted to wrestle rather than just work in the front office and as a trainer.
Alex Hammerstone, one of MLW’s top stars, is available after requesting his release in the middle of 2023 despite having years left on his contract. The two sides reached an agreement in which he worked some dates before receiving his early walking papers.
Shawn Spears has left AEW after the two parties decided not to renew his contract. AEW TV has featured her sparingly over the last year and a half.
Former NWA Women’s Champion Kamille, one of their biggest stars for years, is a notable NWA name on the market. In the women’s division, Deonna Purrazzo’s TNA contract has expired after years of service. She was a top star in the promotion as a Knockouts Champion. She is expected to sign with someone soon.
Finally, Andrade’s AEW contract expired following Worlds End, where he defeated Miro and is expected to sign with WWE immediately.
