Taya Valkyrie had the chance to stick around in AEW, but she decided it was time to see what else is out there. After wrapping up her run with the company, Valkyrie has officially hit the open market — and this was apparently her call.
Valkyrie took to Twitter and announced that she is now a free agent after her AEW contract expired. Her team revealed that AEW actually offered her an extension, but after considering her options, Valkyrie decided not to take it.
“After much consideration and thorough discussions with her team Valkyrie has officially entered free agency having elected not to accept an offer to extend her contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW).”
So this wasn’t a case of Valkyrie simply being shown the door. She had an opportunity to stay with AEW and chose to move on instead, although there doesn’t appear to be any bad blood on the way out. Valkyrie thanked AEW for her time with the company and had plenty of good things to say about the people she worked with along the way.
“I am incredibly grateful for my time with AEW and the opportunity to be part of the organization. While there, I wrestled and worked alongside exceptional talent, and built lasting relationships within the AEW family and deepend my relationships in the wrestling community.”
And don’t mistake leaving AEW for Valkyrie slowing down. She made it pretty damn clear that she still has plenty she wants to do in wrestling and is already looking ahead to whatever comes next.
“I am beyond thankful to the fans for their continued support of me, not only in my time with AEW but also as I step into this new chapter as a free agent. I can’t wait for what’s to come and have a lot more to leave in the ring.”
She’s also keeping her options much wider than simply picking another wrestling promotion. Valkyrie specifically mentioned exploring opportunities as a wrestler, television personality and creative now that she’s free to make her own moves.
“With my contract now concluded, I’m excited to explore new opportunities and possibilities as a wrestler, TV personality, and creative.”
And she’s already been busy outside wrestling. Valkyrie appeared on “The Traitors Canada” this fall and released her debut EP, “FAKE,” so there are quite a few directions this next chapter could go. For now, there’s no word on where Valkyrie might land next. What we do know is that AEW apparently wanted to keep her, Valkyrie decided against extending her stay, and now she’s free to listen to whatever offers come her way.
Where do you think Taya Valkyrie should show up next now that she passed on an AEW extension and entered free agency? Let us know what you think in the comments.
