Multiple Talents Exit AEW After Contracts Expire

AEW just lost multiple names from its roster — and none of them were publicly announced.

According to Fightful Select, Mercedes Martinez, Matt Taven, and Alex Abrahantes are no longer with AEW, as all three quietly wrapped up their runs with the company after their contracts expired. There was no official statement from AEW or Tony Khan at the time of their departures.

Mercedes Martinez had already hinted that major changes were coming, revealing earlier this week that 2026 would be her final year as a full-time performer. Now, with her AEW chapter officially closed, she’s hitting the road for one last run on her own terms.

“No contracts. No agents. No creative. Just me – and everything I’ve earned over 25 damn years in this business.”

Matt Taven’s exit comes after a lengthy run as part of The Kingdom alongside Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis, while Alex Abrahantes had been a key on-screen figure for Lucha Brothers and Death Triangle for years.

There’s no word yet on whether any of the three are negotiating returns or fielding offers from WWE, TNA, or elsewhere, but the timing — especially for Martinez — makes the move feel definitive.

AEW hasn’t addressed the contract expirations publicly, continuing a trend of quiet exits for talent whose deals run out without renewal. Ringside News will continue to provide updates as they become available.

What do you think about these low-key departures from AEW? Should the company be more transparent about contract statuses, or is this just how wrestling works now? Sound off in the comments.