The Young Bucks have confirmed that they were in serious negotiations to join WWE prior to the launch of All Elite Wrestling. Speaking with Adam’s Apple ahead of AEW Full Gear, Matt and Nick Jackson were asked just how close they actually came to putting pen to paper with the rival promotion.
Nick Jackson responded simply: “Pretty close.” Matt Jackson elaborated on the timeline, noting that while paper contracts were never physically presented, the discussions were legitimate. He pinpointed 2019—the year AEW was founded—as the moment they were nearest to making the jump to Stamford.
Matt said: “There was never an actual physical contract, but we were negotiating… 2019 was probably the closest… We had a groundswell at the time with the stuff we were doing in Japan and on the indies. I think they just wanted to buy in on it.”
Ultimately, the brothers opted to partner with Tony Khan, Cody Rhodes, and Kenny Omega to launch AEW, serving as Executive Vice Presidents and on-screen talent. They have since become the only three-time AEW World Tag Team Champions in the company’s history.
The tag team is set for a bout this Saturday, November 22, at AEW Full Gear in Newark, New Jersey. They will team with Josh Alexander to face the trio of Kenny Omega and Jurassic Express (Jack Perry and Luchasaurus) in a “Million Dollar Trios Match.” This bout is part of the ongoing saga where the Bucks are attempting to regain their financial standing after losing their EVP administrative powers on television.
If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Adam’s Apple with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription. Check out the full interview on the Adam’s Apple YouTube channel.
