A new report has shed light on plans AEW previously had to establish a dedicated training facility. According to a report from Fightful Select, there were significant discussions within AEW about creating a training center, a move that would have formalized a developmental system for the promotion. While AEW does currently have a building with a ring that talent can access, the plans that were under consideration were for a much more structured environment led by veteran wrestlers.
AEW’s Plans
The plans for a training facility were reportedly more concrete earlier in 2025, with conversations centering on Asheville, North Carolina, as the location. The choice of location was strategic, as it would have allowed several notable veterans to help train and refine talent there.
According to the report, the names discussed to lead the training were Dax Harwood, Cash Wheeler, Beth Phoenix, and Adam Copeland. These individuals would have formed the foundation of the coaching staff at the proposed facility, bringing decades of combined experience from multiple promotions to the AEW talent pool.
The plans for the center were apparently firm enough to influence the career paths of prospective talent. The report noted that this was why Sting’s son, Steven Borden, was going to Asheville to train, as there were tentative plans for him to work at the training center.
Why The Plan Was Scrapped
Despite the advanced discussions and the high-profile names attached to the project, the training facility in Asheville did not move forward. An internal rumor suggested that the associated cost of the venture was the deciding factor in the company’s decision not to proceed with the plan.
The concept of a formal developmental system has been a topic of discussion for AEW for some time. Before the Asheville plan, Fightful had previously reported that there were ideas for Ace Steel to potentially lead a similar project before he ultimately left the company.
This is just a snippet of the story. For complete details, please visit Fightful Select at Patreon.com/Fightful.
