Two AEW stars have been added to the list of names who have departed the promotion in 2024.
Unlike a few years ago when movement from WWE to AEW was expected for many free agents, 2024 has seen a shift with many stars formerly of All lite Wrestling either choosing to not renew their contracts or be released by the company. On Friday, July 12th, 2 names were revealed as the latest to exit the promotion.
Speaking in an interview with USA Today, CJ Perry stated that her time with All Elite Wrestling had come to an end, adding that she was free to sign with any other promotion, meaning that there is no non-compete attached:
“[My] time with them has just finished. I’m really focused on finding talent and cultivating them and helping them become the best wrestler, champion possible,” she said. “I guess you could say I want to be the Paul Heyman.”
Perry debuted for the promotion at All Out 2023 after being released by WWE in June 2021. Perry would be seen alongside Miro and Andrade but was also off TV for a number of weeks due to a finger infection that required multiple stints in hospital.
The second name to depart the promotion is Ric Flair, who was announced to have signed a multi-year deal with AEW after initially being a surprise for Sting ahead of The Icon’s retirement. Flair’s deal was a unique one as he was not being paid by AEW but instead by WOOOO! Energy, who signed a sponsorship deal with the promotion that effectively enabled Flair to appear on TV for free, much like the deal with WCW and Slim Jim that allowed Randy Savage to do the same. As reported by Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the lack of WOOOO! Energy graphics on TV is due to the fact that the partnership has ended early, indicating that Flair will not be making any subsequent appearances:
Those who have pointed out no “Whoo! Energy” graphics on the screen of late, that is a smart observation and unless something changes it doesn’t look like you’ll be seeing that going forward. There was no explanation given but unless something changes it does look like that deal is over with
AEW Builds To All In
On Sunday, August 25th, the promotion will once again return to Wembley Stadium to present the second All In pay-per-view. Following the events that took place on Dynamite, 2 matches have been confirmed for the event.
Featured image: AEW
