Last week,AEWPresident Tony Khan announced that this Wednesday, the company would feature the debut of a new star. Khan explained that the free agent debut would pass through the “Forbidden Door,” which he went on to define in his own words. Over the years, the Forbidden Door has been used by wrestling fans in regard to competitors that appear in another wrestling company or promotion.
Khan offered an explanation about the circumstances of his new addition toAEW. In a tweet followingRampage, Khan said that the new signee is, “walking in the door, signing a contract, and thenslamming the door shut.” There is an endless list of talent Khan could be referencing, including talent from the indies, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Impact Wrestling, or former WWE talent.
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Khan followed his announcement to offer additional information about the signee. This Wednesday, Khan revealed that the free agent will face Isiah Kassidy in a qualifying match to earn a spot in theFace of the Revolution ladder matchat the Revolution pay-per-view on March 6. The winner of that ladder match at Revolution will earn a shot at the TNT Championship that is currently held by Sammy Guevara.
WWE
One of the most likely opponents for Kassidy on Wednesday is amongthe long list of ex-WWE talentwhose non-compete clauses recently expired. Keith Lee has been called a must-have talent for AEW and this could be the perfect opportunity to introduce him to the roster. Lee is joined by fellow former NXT Champion, Killer Kross (formerly Karrion Kross), whose 90-day non-compete clause also expired last week, making him another potential star to debut in AEW this week. Samoa Joe is another former NXT Champion who was also recently released by WWE. Joe is a three-time NXT Champion who was released from the company twice in 2021.
Isaiah “Swerve” Scott was released with his fellow members of Hit Row in 2021. Since his release, Scott has been spotted with numerous stars from the AEW roster including Malakai Black,Sammy Guevara, and Darby Allin.
Johnny Gargano did not renew his contract with WWE after it expired in December 2021. His wife, Candice LaRae is currently pregnant with their first child and is expected to give birth this month. Some expected Gargano to appear atAEWBeach Break,which was held in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio in late January. When he didn’t appear, Gargano sent a tweet where he promised to make up his absence to fans soon.
Impact Wrestling
On last week’s episode ofDynamite, Brandi Rhodes mentioned Josh Alexander in a segment with Dan Lambert and The Men of the Year (Scorpio Sky and Ethan Page). Rhodes told Page that AEW only signed him with hopes of getting to Alexander, who is Page’s former tag team partner. With Alexander’s contractwith Impact Wrestling expiring, it’s possible that this on-air reference will lead to an AEW appearance. Another Impact star that could appear in AEW is Jake Something. Something’s contract with Impact is rumored to expire soon, meaning he could also be the mystery opponent for Kassidy.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
Many stars on AEW’s currentroster have a history with NJPWand members of their roster. Following the development of AEW, many of New Japan’s storylines were never fully finished because the talent left for AEW. The companies have a work agreement that has allowed its talent to work on both company’s shows, and it has worked well for those involved. Fans have many dream matches they hope will come from this, which include Kazuchika Okada, Will Ospreay, and Jay White. White has been in the United States working with Impact Wrestling but has gone on the record many times to say he has not been approached by AEW.
In Impact, White had run-inswith AEW’s Kenny Omega, who was Impact World Champion at the time. Given White and Omega’s shared history as leaders of the Bullet Club, an AEW appearance for White at some point can’t entirely be ruled out. Omega has also had several Twitter exchanges with Ospreay, fueling a feud between the two. However, with Omega currently away from the ring, it may mean that if White or Ospreay will appear in AEW to have a feud with Omega, it will not be for some time.
Additional Talent
Windham (formerly Bray Wyatt) wasreleased from his WWE contract in July 2021. He is currently working on a film in Hollywood, which may mean that his return to the ring will take longer than some fans want. Another unlikely but equally exciting debut could arrive in the form of Mustafa Ali. Ali has been denied his release from WWE and fans have rallied behind him, hoping to see him back in the ring soon. Technically, Ali is still under contract with WWE, making his appearance in AEW wishful thinking for the time being.
Jeff Hardy isanother ex-WWE star whose exact circumstancesare unclear. Hardy was released from his WWE contract after questions about his sobriety were raised. After tests returned clean, Hardy may not have the same non-compete clause as other released talents, given his wrongful termination. His brother, Matt, a current member of the AEW roster, has teased his brother’s AEW debut and has talked about his hopes to reunite the Hardy Boyz for one final run. With tension rising in Matt’s faction that includes two skilled tag teams (one of which includes Kassidy), AEW already seems to be dropping hints at Jeff’s impending arrival.
It’s possible that this announcement is a ploy that will feature a current AEW star who is simply renewing their contract. Cody Rhodes has been said to be working without one and recently lost the TNT Championship to Guevara, and could be looking to get it back. Prior to Wednesday’s big reveal, Khan, Kassidy, and several other members of the roster are likely to tease the debut, which may include additional hints to their identity. Before CM Punk’s monumental return last August,Khan gave fans one final hintat Punk’s long-awaited return before the show aired. While none of these stars have had an absence as long as Punk’s, for some fans of these stars, the wait may have felt just as long.
AEW Dynamitewill be live from Atlantic City, New Jersey this Wednesday at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on TBS.
