Joey Janela Reveals WWE Interest as He Eyes Major TV Return

Joey Janela might be thriving on the independent scene—but now he’s making it clear a return to major TV, including WWE, is very much on the table.

After leaving All Elite Wrestling in 2022 and building his name across promotions like GCW, Janela gave an update on his future while speaking on the Sandman podcast—and he didn’t shut the door on any major company. When asked directly about where he’d go if he wanted to get back on television, Janela pointed out that AEW is an easy option due to personal ties—but quickly made it clear WWE is still very much in his sights.

“I mean, Megan’s in AEW, so I could go there. But WWE was always a goal. I don’t know if it’s attainable at this point, but who knows? With the way things have been going, it’s been up, up, up.”

Janela then pulled back the curtain on how close he actually came to WWE years ago, revealing that there was a real opportunity for him to sign before AEW entered the picture. According to Janela, an injury ended up changing everything—and ultimately redirected his career path toward AEW at the time.

“Back in 2018, before AEW signed me, there was a chance I was going to WWE. I was one of the top guys in EVOLVE, and everyone from EVOLVE at that time went to WWE. That’s what Gabe kept telling me. So if I didn’t blow out my knee and have Tony Khan sign me while I was injured after All In, who knows? I could have ended up there earlier. But who knows how that would have turned out.”

Now, years later, Janela believes he’s still in a position to make a move, pointing out that age and experience may actually be working in his favor in today’s wrestling landscape. And when it comes down to it, Janela made it clear he’s keeping all options open—not just WWE.

“Now the business is different. A lot of the top guys are 45, 50 years old. I’m only 36. I still look young, I still feel young, and I can still go with the best of them. So who knows what can happen. But yeah — there’s AEW, there’s TNA, there’s WWE.”

For Joey Janela, the door to a major TV return isn’t closed—it’s wide open, and he’s making it clear that WWE, the goal he once nearly reached, is still definitely on his radar.

Do you think Joey Janela could succeed in WWE if he finally gets the opportunity, or is he better suited for the independent scene? Drop your thoughts below and let us know.

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