WWE & AEW Have A Much Different Policy Concerning Controversial Contract Clause

AEW has a lot going on, and many stories take place behind the scenes. Contract situations are always fascinating in pro wrestling. As it turns out, the Federal Trade Commission’s new possible policy about non-compete clauses might not affect AEW talent at all.

Sean Sapp noted behind Fightful’s paywall that while non-compete clauses are standard in WWE contracts, AEW doesn’t go that way with things. Obviously, Tony Khan has his own process and business practices.

It was noted that AEW doesn’t really release talent, unless it is an extreme circumstance. Non-compete clauses aren’t a thing, though, as time is generally just tacked onto the end of a deal to keep them locked down for longer.

Based on the contracts that Fightful has seen within AEW, and numerous talent we’ve spoken to, there aren’t any non-compete clauses attached to many of them. Non-competes are standard in WWE deals, with main roster’s lasting 90 days, and NXT’s lasting a general 30 days. However, All Elite Wrestling doesn’t seem to have any.

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When asking AEW sources about the nature of this, we were told a few things. For one, All Elite Wrestling doesn’t generally release talent anyway unless there’s a special request or a disciplinary action, so they haven’t necessarily had to implement those. A non-compete would generally just extend the life of a deal ending. Non competes can’t really do that unless it’s agreed upon by the talent. Upon some early departures, we’re told things are largely a case-by-case basis. For example, everyone we spoke to in AEW believe that if CM Punk were let out of his deal early, it would be on the condition he not compete in WWE for a period of time.

AEW’s landscape could look very different in a matter of months. It will be very interesting to see where all of the chips land in this situation, because anything can happen when you’re talking about contract.

What’s your take on this AEW contract situation? Would you just ship from AEW right now if you could? Sound off in the comments!