Major AEW Superstars reportedly can’t join WWE for a while
WWE has reportedly had major plans derailed by AEW. As indicated last year, 2024 is proving to be a record year for free agency. Seth Rollins, MJF, Saraya, and other stars have re-signed, names like Becky Lynch and The Hardys became free agents, while wrestlers such as Kevin Owens and Daniel Garcia still face potential free agency. New information indicates a status change swerve that was just made.
The Lucha Brothers have been rumored to join WWE for some time. Their AEW deals were reportedly expiring in August and September. Tony Khan made significant offers in early summer, but it became clear they wanted to leave. In August, a source close to the brothers said he wouldn't be surprised if they started at the Performance Center in the near future, but things have seemingly changed in a major way.
The Man of a Thousand Lives and Cero Miedo will have to wait a while longer to debut for WWE, and even longer to debut together. A new report from Fightful Select has revealed what led to Penta and Fenix having more time added to their All Elite contracts.
Pentagon's contract just had a few months added, according to the Wrestling Observer. This apparently covers his 2020 leg injury. While he hasn't officially negotiated with WWE, the Stamford-based promotion made a competitive offer, and that solidified his decision. Penta is said to be firm on going to WWE in two months or so, when able.
Fenix had injury time added to his deal as well, described as "nearly but not quite one year." The 33-year-old missed around three months in 2021, close to four months in 2022, and six months from October 2023. These figures could indicate more than one year added, but it was speculated that the 2021 time isn't included, putting Fenix under contract to All Elite Wrestling for around ten more months.
When can The Lucha Brothers move possibly happen?
This could push The Lucha Brothers' WWE debut to summer 2025. WWE sources supposedly received notice last week that Fenix won't be signing imminently. It was also reiterated how it was not possible for Penta and Fenix to be signed to any kind of World Wrestling Entertainment contract. They are still expected to bypass NXT as a tag team for the main roster, as requested, but it's not clear where Penta will debut if he arrives early while Fenix finishes in AEW.
In mid-August, Penta took to X to dismiss heavy speculation on plans to leave for WWE. He tweeted that AEW was his "present," and called on fans to stop gossiping. Word now is that this was close to when officials added time to Penta's deal, and he tweeted hoping the situation wouldn't result in AEW adding time to Fenix's deal because the length was far greater.
AEW sources confirmed the brothers are still under contract, and still being paid. It wasn't clear if they will be used again, but talents expect they'll be asked to put others over if they're planning to leave. Sources did not elaborate on any motivation for extending the contracts, past the company wanting to get the contracted time the brothers initially signed up for. The company has been accused by some of trying to make the multi-time champions look bad on their way out.
After Penta told people he'd been talking to WWE and that the brothers wanted to bypass NXT, AEW found out what the former TNA World Champion was saying, and then saw evidence of at least one of the brothers discussing plans to jump ship in the summer. AEW still wanted them to re-sign, but it became clear they had other plans.
Khan came up with immediate plans to put the World Trios Championship on Penta, Fenix, and PAC at All In, but the masked high-flyers did not sign their offers. However, some AEW sources claimed by that point, the brothers still had not discussed plans to leave for WWE or communicated those plans to officials.
Pentagon and Fenix haven't wrestled together in AEW's ring since defeating Private Party on July 17. Fenix secured a Collision win over Tony Nese that weekend. Penta and Fenix have continued to work events in Mexico for CMLL and smaller promotions.