5 AEW stars whose contracts are expiring in 2024
AEW has welcomed many new talents to its roster in 2024. Stars like Mercedes Moné, Will Ospreay, Kazuchika Okada, and many more officially became All Elite this year.
As Tony Khan has added new stars to his company, there might be some wrestlers that might leave this year. There are a few superstars whose contracts are set to expire in 2024.
There is no guarantee whether they will choose to stay or leave as of now. Irrespective of their future in the company, let's find out who those five stars are whose contracts are coming up this year.
#1. Bryan Danielson
Bryan Danielson joined AEW in 2021, making his debut at the All Out PPV in September. He has been a key member of Tony Khan's roster since then and has been a part of many high-profile matches.
But soon, fans may not get to see him much in the promotion or maybe not at all. Last year, The American Dragon announced that 2024 would be his final year as a full-time active wrestler.
His contract is set to expire in September this year. However, he will stay in the promotion until October. It was also reported that the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion had promised his daughter that he would leave full-time wrestling this year and he intends to keep that promise.
#2. Dustin Rhodes
Dustin Rhodes has been a part of AEW since 2019. The last time fans saw him in action was in April. On the April 10 edition of Wednesday Night Dynamite, he competed against Samoa Joe in an AEW World Title Eliminator match, which he lost.
During a Q&A session on Fightful Select, Sean Ross Sapp updated the wrestling world about Dustin's contract status with the Jacksonville-based company. He disclosed that the former Goldust's contract will be reaching its end in September 2024.
Furthermore, it was also revealed that there haven't been any talks between the two parties about renewing the contract.
"Dustin Rhodes' contract is up in the fall," Sean Ross Sapp said.
#3. Daniel Garcia
Daniel Garcia has been with AEW since October 2021. At the 2023 Worlds End post-media scrum, he confirmed that his contract will be ending soon. He also commented on his expiring contract during an interview with Adrian Hernandez.
“My contract is up this year. My number one focus is earning another contract and showing that I am someone that can be built around and somebody that can be fully invested in as a top guy. That’s my number one priority. My priority outside of that is, what better way to show you can be a top guy than winning a title. I would love to win some singles gold in AEW.” Daniel Garcia said. [H/T ewrestlingnews]
Later, Sean Ross Sapp on the Backstage Report podcast disclosed that the AEW star hasn't received a new offer from the company to renew his contract.
Sean Ross Sapp revealed, "When I asked, I was told that they did not have a new contract for him [Daniel Garcia]."
#4. Mark Henry
Mark Henry became All Elite in 2021, but he didn't join the promotion as a wrestler. He took up behind-the-scenes responsibilities and has been acting as a coach and talent scout in the promotion. He also plays the role of a commentator in the promotion.
Fightful Select reported that Mark Henry's contract is coming up very soon. His deal is set to expire this month itself. There has been no update if he would re-sign with the promotion or continue his career elsewhere.
#5. Ricky Starks
Ricky Starks has been with AEW since 2020. He started strong in the promotion but recently has been very frustrated with his bookings. Tony Khan is underusing him in his shows.
Just a while ago, his absence from TV sparked rumors in the wrestling kingdom stating that he is leaving the Jacksonville-based promotion. AEW and Starks haven't commented on the matter so far.
But, Xero News published a recent report stating that he will be a free agent in mid-June this year. The last time fans saw him in action was in March. On the March 30 edition of AEW Collision, he and Big Bill suffered defeat in their match against Top Flight (Dante Martin & Darius Martin).