AEW President Tony Khan recruits top indie talent
AEW President Tony Khan has signed yet another star from the independent scene, this time with a slight twist. Indie standout Jake Manning, who took to Twitter to annouce the news, has been signed to a behind-the-scenes role as part of the merchandising team.
Manning competed on AEW Dark in 2021, losing to bouts against Sonny Kiss, Colt Cabana and The Dark Order. Outside of AEW, he is a veteran of over 15 years, having wrestled for popular independent promotions like PWG and EVOLVE, among others.
Manning has battled the likes of Jerry Lynn, Hangman Page and Jushin Thunder Liger over the years, so having him as part of the AEW team is going to be beneficial for both parties going forward.
I’m officially employed by @AEW to work in their merch department.
It’s been a long road to get here but I’m grateful for the opportunity.
I’m also thankful that this job will give me the ability to continue to work on my mental health & my indy wrestling & comedy careers. https://t.co/tqLV2tdF5H
In addition to his work in AEW, Manning will continue his work in his non-wrestling ventures, which include stand-up comedy. The latest AEW signing is also a big advocate for mental health. He has been focusing a lot on his own well-being in recent months by taking time away from social media. His tweet announcing his AEW employment was his first tweet in over a month.
Who will Tony Khan sign to AEW next?
Tony Khan has signed many stars over the past few months. Names like CM Punk, Adam Cole and Bryan Danielson have added more depth to the company's loaded roster.
So who could be next? One suggestion that has been floated around is The Briscoe Brothers. The duo has won numerous titles around the wrestling world, and they would seemingly boost AEW's renowned tag team division. Their online feud with FTR has led many fans to assume the brothers will pop up in AEW at some point soon.
That’s it?
That was your main event?
Briscoes lose the GCW Tag Team Titles to Gage and Tremont.
Good. Give us FTR vs Briscoes now #TheWrldOnGCW
The former AEW World Tag Team Champions and The Briscoes have been throwing haymakers at each other for a number of weeks on social media. Each team has been trying to provoke the other into finally having the match that fans of both teams are clamoring for.
Would you like to see The Briscoes vs. FTR? Let us know in the comments down below.