In 2019, the wrestling war between WWE and AEW began with both companies trying to sign the best talent available. Both promotions have some of the best wrestlers in the world, and when there are two big promotions with big money backing them, it’s great for talent as they make more money and have options.
History
WWE attempted to sign nearly anyone and everyone to long-term, big-money deals that year, only to release several of them the following year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson were a perfect example of that as they had the chance to go to AEW with plans being made for their debut on the premiere episode of Dynamite, only to stay with WWE before being released in the pandemic.
Years later, when both AEW and WWE are in talks for new television deals for 2024, WWE is once again trying to lock down talent both on its roster and in the free agent market. While they missed out on Will Ospreay, they did bring back CM Punk, who was released following his backstage brawl with Jack Perry at All In.
Big money
While speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer noted WWE is offering big money to talent.
“There’s a lot of movement in WWE right now as far as they don’t want anyone leaving,” Meltzer stated. “And there’s a lot of people who are being offered very big money that is besides just [CM Punk], but other people who are being offered very big money, much more than they’re making to stay.”
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