Former WWE star makes his AEW in-ring debut - Spoilers
Former WWE star Tony Nese made his in-ring debut for AEW during recent tapings of the company's YouTube-exclusive show Dark. The Premier Athlete competed against Fuego Del Sol during the October 24 tapings at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.
Earlier, the former WWE Cruiserweight Champion was spotted sitting among the AEW crowd on Saturday night's Dynamite. The announcers even acknowledged his presence, terming him "one of the hottest free agents in wrestling."
The premier athlete @TonyNese
#AEWDark https://t.co/CZIFswfBM5
It's worth noting that AEW hasn't yet officially confirmed Tony Nese's signing. As such, there's no clarity over the deal the former WWE star has struck with Tony Khan. His appearance could also be a one-off.
Tony Nese was released from his WWE due to budget cuts in June this year. His non-compete clause with Vince McMahon's promotion expired in September, after which the Premier Athlete wrestled a few matches on the independent circuit.
Tony Nese could provide a boost to AEW's mid-card
Tony Khan's promotion has one of the most stacked rosters in wrestling today. There's a mixture of talented youngsters and experienced veterans performing at an incredibly high level.
Tony Nese makes his AEW in-ring debut against Fuego del Sol in the best match of the session thus far. #AEWDark https://t.co/AiF4HfZyPN
However, the possibility of some performers getting lost in the shuffle also persists. That said, Tony Nese has all the tools in him to stand apart in AEW. Though WWE failed to make full use of him, his in-ring abilities and charismatic persona were praised by fans.
If he does end up in the promotion, fans can expect Nese to make a mark in no time and become an integral part of AEW's mid-card.
Whom do you want to see Tony Nese wrestle in AEW? Do you think he could be a worthy challenger for the TNT Championship? Sound off in the comments section.