The wrestling world was set abuzz recently when AEW CEO Tony Khan voiced his grievances against WWE, alleging contract tampering with AEW talent. This revelation comes at a time when the competition between the two wrestling giants is at its peak.
According to reports, Khan felt that WWE’s actions turned from professional rivalry to personal affronts, especially during a vulnerable time when he was attending to his ailing mother in the hospital. Sean Ross Sapp, a respected figure in wrestling journalism, shed light on the matter during Fightful Select’s “SRS Backstage Report.”
Sapp highlighted two significant instances that particularly irked Khan. The first involved Swerve Strickland, a talent who had recently inked a multi-year deal with AEW. WWE allegedly reached out to Strickland, aiming for a Hit Row reunion. Strickland’s response was to direct WWE to his legal counsel.
The second instance, which occurred during Khan’s hospital visit, was even more contentious. WWE reportedly approached William Regal, offering him a new role despite already having a position lined up. This move was seen by Khan as a direct affront, leading to his public outburst.
The rivalry was further stoked when AEW’s flagship show, “Dynamite,” went toe-to-toe with WWE’s “NXT.” This marked the first direct clash between the two since October 2022, with “Dynamite” shifting to Tuesday nights due to TBS’s sports commitments.
In the aftermath of these allegations, Swerve Strickland remains with AEW, while William Regal has rejoined WWE, taking on the role of Vice President of Global Talent Development.
The term “tampering” is commonly associated with sports leagues like the NFL, where it’s forbidden for teams to interfere with contracted players from rival teams. The implications of such allegations remain murky in the world of professional wrestling without a central governing body or union. However, what’s clear is that the battle lines between AEW and WWE have been firmly drawn.
