4-time WWE champion says AEW rejected his offer to help the promotion - "See you later"
It's no secret that the AEW roster is home to many former WWE Superstars and iconic talents from Chris Jericho, Mercedes Moné, Jon Moxley, and Saraya, to Sarah Stock to Jeff Jarrett, Serena Deeb, Michael Mansury, and so on. A veteran fan-favorite has revealed how they reached out in an attempt to help AEW, and what another familiar face responded with.
Paul London recently spoke with Fightful about how he was set to work ROH in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic prevented that, then his mind wandered away from the business. London began watching friends in AEW, and a few other promotions, but couldn't find the interest he wanted, and thought a lot of the product was really bad. Despite training regularly, the former WWE Cruiserweight Champion lost confidence in a ring return
The Innovator Of Excellence then revealed how he reached out to an old colleague, Christopher Daniels, who was now working as AEW's Vice President of Talent Relations. The 2023 Indie Wrestling Hall of Famer did not receive the response he wanted:
"It got to the point where I actually reached out to Daniels and was like, ‘Hey, I've seen the show. I'd love to help in any way I can...,' and I kind of got like a revolving door answer. It was like, ‘Oh, well, yeah, no, see you later!’ That was fine, I get it... I guess they have all the help they need," Paul London said. [From 17:15 to 17:45]
Paul London made his pro wrestling debut in 2000 and was signed to WWE from mid-2003 to November 7, 2008. He went on to have runs with ROH, PWG, TNA, Lucha Underground, and several indie promotions. London reduced his dates in 2018, only worked a brief TNA producer stint in 2019, then only wrestled a few matches in 2021 and 2022. London returned to regular Indies action in 2023 and has already worked more than twenty matches this year. The 44-year-old is currently with MLW after defeating Brett Ryan Gosselin in August.
London is set to wrestle KENTA for the first time this coming Saturday. The match will take place at MLW's TV tapings at Cicero Stadium in Chicago.
AEW Dynamite updated lineup for tonight
The road to Full Gear will continue tonight as AEW Dynamite airs live from the SNHU Arena in Manchester, New Hampshire. Friday's Rampage will also be taped tonight.
AEW currently has five matches and two segments confirmed for Dynamite. Below is the updated lineup:
- The Hurt Syndicate will appear; can Tony Khan convince Bobby Lashley to sign?
- Christian Cage and Hook face-off
- Darby Allin and Orange Cassidy vs. PAC and Claudio Castagnoli
- Malakai Black vs. Adam Cole
- Jamie Hayter vs. Penelope Ford
- Ricochet and a mystery partner vs. Konosuke Takeshita and Kyle Fletcher
- Fight Without Honor: Chris Jericho, Big Bill, Bryan Keith vs. Mark Briscoe, Kyle O'Reilly, Tomohiro Ishii
AEW will be in Providence, RI at Amica Mutual Pavilion on Thursday to tape Saturday's Collision. The following matches have been announced: Nick Wayne vs. AR Fox, plus Top Flight vs. The Outrunners to kick off the Full Gear Four-Way Contender's Series.