The Rascalz Reveal Why They Signed With AEW

The Rascalz are officially All Elite—and now they’re opening up about why they made the jump from TNA Wrestling to AEW.

During an appearance on Closeup with Renee Paquette on January 27, 2026, Myron Reed, Dezmond Xavier, and Zachary Wentz shared what led them to sign multi-year deals with AEW after departing TNA earlier this month. Their message was clear: it wasn’t just about a better offer—it was about growth.

Myron Reed kicked off the conversation by talking about the challenges that come with starting fresh. To him, AEW represented a clean slate—and an entirely new system to learn. He added that one of the biggest differences between AEW and their previous home is the pace. In AEW, things don’t wait.

“New place, new environment, new surroundings—you don't know the inner workings of stuff. It’s faster here. Things move a lot faster here than anywhere else I’ve been.”

Dezmond Xavier said that, ultimately, AEW felt like the right place to compete. It wasn’t just about being seen—it was about being tested.

“This is where the best wrestle. That is the tagline. This is the place to be. Everything. We want—we want to challenge everyone.”

He explained that their competitive fire was a major reason for the move—not just competing with other talent, but pushing each other to be better. Xavier also made it clear that they welcome pressure—and that facing the best is what fuels them.

“We thrive on competition. Like we have it within ourselves of trying to push each other to the next level. But we also enjoy having that nice adversary as well that brings it out of us.”

Zachary Wentz agreed, stating that The Rascalz see themselves as one of the best trios in wrestling—and they want to prove it on the biggest stage possible. For Wentz, AEW wasn’t just a move—it was a reset. He admitted that staying in one place too long can slow down progress, and AEW offered the spark they were looking for.

“We feel like we're one of the best tag teams and trios and groups in the world. This is where the best wrestle, like you said. I just want to push that boundary, you know, ’cause if you stay in a place for so long, stuff can get stagnant—and this is the perfect opportunity to grow.”

The Rascalz officially debuted on the January 17, 2026 episode of AEW Collision, just days after news of their signing broke. Fightful Select reported that AEW made a stronger offer than TNA could match, with contracts quietly finalized in the first week of January.

Now that they’ve made it clear why they chose AEW, all eyes are on what they’ll do next. With their blend of charisma, athleticism, and chemistry, The Rascalz have a chance to shake up AEW’s tag and trios divisions—if they seize the moment.

Did The Rascalz make the right move by jumping to AEW? Or did they leave too much on the table in TNA? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know how you see this playing out.

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