Tony Khan confirms AEW monitors growing free agent
AEW President Tony Khan is actively monitoring the growing free agent market, confirming the company’s keen interest in the AEW free agent frenzy following recent wrestler releases and expiring contracts.
His remarks, made during the AEW Redemption media call on Thursday, July 24, 2026, set a compelling backdrop for the highly anticipated AEW Redemption 2026 pay-per-view this Sunday.
Tony Khan addresses AEW free agent interest
The event, set for July 26 at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec, arrives as a significant crop of talent, including several former WWE stars, are newly available. This dynamic has sparked industry-wide speculation about potential signings and the future landscape of professional wrestling.
Tony Khan didn’t hold back when discussing the current talent pool, telling reporters he’s keeping a close watch on the situation. “There are a lot of great free agents in wrestling,” he stated on Thursday. “Particularly right now, there’s a lot of people coming out of contract.”
He acknowledged that “a lot of very talented wrestlers were released recently from their contracts and it has put more people on the market.” Khan described the current period as “a very interesting time in pro wrestling and an exciting time for AEW.” It’s clear the company sees an opportunity.
Strategic moves and “some slight of hand”
Khan is known for his penchant for surprises, often holding back significant announcements until the last possible moment. When questioned about a potential high-profile Kenny Omega versus MJF match for Redemption, he cryptically alluded to the necessity for “some slight of hand in these things.”
He expressed confidence in the company’s strategic direction, believing they’ve already “made the right moves.” An early start time for AEW Redemption 2026, which Khan termed an “experiment,” could also be part of this approach. It might allow for unexpected debuts or longer, more impactful segments.
The evolving talent landscape in wrestling
The professional wrestling world is currently experiencing a notable shift, with various promotions competing intensely for top talent. AEW’s establishment has undoubtedly fostered a more dynamic market, benefiting wrestlers who seek new challenges or creative freedom outside traditional avenues.
This competitive environment has amplified the demand for sought-after performers. Other promotions like TNA and Ring of Honor (ROH) also offer potential landing spots, contributing to a diverse ecosystem for professional wrestling talent.
A wave of available talent
The sheer volume of high-profile wrestlers now without contracts has ignited considerable fan speculation regarding their next moves. Reports suggest “at least seven” performers are currently “waiting to be signed” by AEW, though their identities remain officially undisclosed.
This indicates a potential significant roster shake-up across several promotions. Their unexpected availability offers a unique opportunity for rival companies to acquire established names and fresh prospects.
Prominent former WWE stars on the market
Among the notable figures now navigating the free agency landscape are Kairi Sane, who reportedly requested her release. The acclaimed tag team The Motor City Machine Guns are also available, as are Aleister Black and Xelina (Zelina Vega).
The mysterious stable The Wyatt Sicks, alongside Hijo del Fantasma (Santos Escobar) and Zoey Serrano (Zoey Stark), similarly became free agents after their WWE contracts expired in April 2026. Even The New Day, featuring Austin Creed (Xavier Woods) and Kofi Kingston, reportedly asked for their releases a week after the initial cuts, sparking widespread discussion about their future.
AEW roster updates and rumors
While looking to expand its roster, AEW is also managing its existing talent. Anna Jay has signed an extended contract but is sidelined with an undisclosed injury, awaiting an MRI. Conversely, Tay Melo requested and received her release from AEW after a June 6, 2026, challenge for the AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championship, citing a desire to step away.
Meanwhile, the return of Hangman Page to AEW appears “imminent” following a recent promo on Collision. These internal adjustments occur as the company simultaneously explores external talent acquisition, shaping AEW’s programming and overall direction.
AEW Redemption 2026 match card highlights
Beyond the ongoing free agency discussions, AEW has assembled a compelling card for AEW Redemption 2026. This Sunday’s pay-per-view, broadcast live from the Bell Centre in Montreal, promises a night of high-stakes contests across various divisions. It’s a crucial event during this dynamic period for the promotion.
The main broadcast will be preceded by The Redemption Buy-In Pre-Show, which will feature a celebration of the Rougeau Wrestling Dynasty. This local tribute should energize the Montreal crowd before the night’s championship and grudge matches commence.
Championship gold on the line
The headline bout will see Kenny Omega (“The Best Bout Machine”) defend his AEW World Championship against Kevin Knight (“The Jet”), the current AEW TNT Champion and a member of the Don Callis Family.
In the tag team division, Cage & Cope (Christian Cage and “The Rated R Superstar” Adam Copeland) will put their AEW World Tag Team Championship at risk against The Death Riders (Claudio Castagnoli and “The Bastard” PAC).
Kyle Fletcher (“The Protostar”) of the Don Callis Family defends the AEW International Championship against ROH World Champion Bandido. Mark Davis will challenge Andrade El Ídolo for the AEW National Championship, while Hikaru Shida faces Maya World for the AEW TBS Championship. Thekla (“The Toxic Spider”) of Triangle of Madness defends the AEW Women’s World Championship against Willow Nightingale.
Grudge matches and a ladder war
The card also features a highly anticipated No Holds Barred Match between Chris Jericho (“The Painmaker”) and Tommaso Ciampa (“The Psycho Killer”). Additionally, the Bang Bang Gang (“Switchblade” Jay White and Juice Robinson) will clash with The Dogs (David Finlay and Clark Connors) in a brutal Double Chain Match.
A significant opportunity awaits in the AEW International Championship #1 Contender’s 6-Person Ladder Match. “Jungle Boy” Jack Perry, LFI’s The Beast Mortos, Komander, and “Speedball” Mike Bailey are confirmed participants, with two additional competitors yet to be named. This match could propel a new challenger into championship contention.
Finally, The Death Riders (“The Aerial Assassin” Will Ospreay and AEW Continental Champion Jon Moxley) are scheduled to face The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) in a tag team encounter.
The broader implications for pro wrestling
The convergence of a major pay-per-view like AEW Redemption and a bustling professional wrestling free agents market highlights the dynamic nature of the industry in 2026. Promotions are continually striving to evolve their rosters and storylines to captivate fan interest. AEW, in particular, has consistently shown its willingness to integrate established talent to enhance its product and broaden its audience reach.
This period of intense activity in the free agent market could lead to unexpected alliances, the formation of new rivalries, and significant shifts in the competitive balance within wrestling. It’s about more than just signing big names; it’s about how these talents integrate into the existing narrative and elevate the entire promotion’s storytelling.
Shifting talent dynamics and future prospects
The substantial number of talent now without contracts compels promotions to reassess their recruitment strategies. While some, like Big Cass (Bill), have already secured new deals, signing with WWE in July 2026, many others are still weighing their options. This creates an exciting, albeit uncertain, time for many wrestlers’ careers.
The competitive bidding for these performers could drive up contract values, impacting the financial structures of major companies. It also provides fans with more choices, as talent could potentially join AEW, TNA, or even smaller, independent promotions, thereby enriching the overall wrestling ecosystem with diverse styles and personalities.
Anticipation for new faces and debuts
Fans are actively speculating, especially concerning former WWE stars such as The Motor City Machine Guns, who have “teased signing with a new company,” and Kairi Sane. Recent online interactions between Austin Creed and Kenny Omega have further fueled discussions about The New Day’s potential transition to AEW.
Any surprise debut at AEW Redemption 2026, or in the immediate weeks following, would undoubtedly generate massive buzz and could substantially boost viewership and network subscriptions. Tony Khan’s “experiment” with an early start time might just be setting the stage for such an unannounced arrival, turning a free agent signing into a defining moment for All Elite Wrestling.