According to Dave Meltzer’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, AEW is currently trying to secure long-term contracts with The Elite, consisting of Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks, before they become free agents. All three are founding members of AEW and hold executive vice president roles within the company.
Although the process of resigning Matt and Nick Jackson had yet to begin as of January, Meltzer reported that Omega’s contract, initially set to expire in January, was extended for an unknown amount due to the eight months he missed due to injury. After the All Out event, the Elite was suspended following an altercation with CM Punk and Ace Steel in September 2022. While Steel has been released, Punk remains under contract as he recovers from a triceps injury he sustained during his match with Jon Moxley on the same night.
If The Elite decides to re-sign, it will end the rumors of them potentially signing with WWE. Meltzer stated that while The Bucks could do well in WWE, they would have a better schedule in AEW that would allow them more time with their family, fewer matches, and the ability to perform their style. Meanwhile, Omega does not have children and would likely receive a significant push, with plenty of fresh opponents and the opportunity to work in Japan, something he has wanted to do for years.
AEW had recently re-signed high-profile wrestlers, including Jon Moxley and Chris Jericho, to new contracts before their existing deals expired.
From Meltzer:
“With the Bucks, while they may do well in WWE, it’s not guaranteed, and they will have a better schedule in AEW meaning more time with the family and also less matches and can do their style. With Omega, he doesn’t have kids and he would likely get a major push and would have no end to having fresh opponents. It would also close the door to Japan that he’s waited years to re-open. But he did at least consider and have talks with WWE 2018-19 and wasn’t negative about WWE at all while making his choice to go to AEW. (Tony) Khan did say he hoped Omega would be in the company for a long time to come.”
