Anthony Bowens and Max Caster could be staring down the final days of their AEW contracts — and right now, there doesn’t appear to be a new deal waiting for either man. Both former Acclaimed members are set to have their contracts expire at the start of October, leaving roughly a week before they could potentially hit free agency.
According to Fightful Select, Sean Ross Sapp was told there have been no negotiations with Bowens or Caster regarding new contracts. There has also been no indication that AEW has decided whether new offers will or won’t be made, with things described as quiet on both fronts.
That’s a very different situation from Kip Sabian and Penelope Ford, who were recently confirmed to have multiple years remaining on their AEW deals after quietly re-signing. Bowens and Caster, however, are suddenly sitting much closer to the edge.
The Acclaimed briefly reunited last year, but it didn’t stick. Caster hasn’t been appearing on AEW television lately and has instead worked select independent dates this year. Bowens has remained much more visible on AEW programming and has since joined The Opps. He also wrestled at AEW All In, although that remains his only match since late July.
That makes the silence around Bowens particularly interesting. He’s still being used on television, he’s attached to an active faction, and yet his contract is now approaching the finish line without any known negotiations taking place.
Caster’s situation is just as notable for a different reason. With his AEW television appearances drying up and independent bookings already on his schedule, his contract reaching its expiration date without talks could leave the door wide open for whatever comes next.
Bowens and Caster have already had plenty of success together in AEW. The Acclaimed held both the AEW World Tag Team Championship and the Trios Championship during their run, making them one of the more decorated teams the company has produced.
Now the clock is ticking. Unless something changes quickly, Anthony Bowens and Max Caster will reach the start of October without new AEW contracts in place — and for two names who spent years tied together as The Acclaimed, their futures suddenly look very separate.
What do you think AEW should do with Anthony Bowens and Max Caster as their contracts approach expiration? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know what you think.
