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For those who have asked about WWE interest in a number of AEW stars who have had deals that are coming close to expiring or who have been off TV for some time, in speaking to numerous WWE sources today, we are told there is "certainly interest" if and when the talents would be "free and clear." Of course, this being professional wrestling, certainly there would have been contact via third parties already but no one is ever going to admit that on record.

Ricky Starks has not been on AEW programming for some time and has a close friendship with Cody Rhodes. He's been backstage at WWE PPVs numerous times since Cody returned, dating back to Wrestlemania 38. One would think he'd be main roster ready if WWE wanted him in that position.

The Lucha Brothers' AEW deals would be up for renewal later this Fall and they have filed for numerous trademarks for new potential ring names they would control the rights to. One could see WWE hiring them to beef up WWE NXT, especially if that brand is going to start touring consistently once they move to the CW Network.

Daniel Garcia fits the prototype for the type of athlete and wrestler WWE looks to invest in to develop within WWE NXT. His AEW deal is coming closer to ending (if he doesn't sign a new deal), hence the angle where MJF took him out. We are told he has not yet signed a new deal with AEW.

Speaking of WWE NXT, there's absolutely talk of running more often on the road in larger scale venues in order to raise the prestige of the brand now that it will be on broadcast television. The hope is that the series will be a jumping on point for younger fans who discover WWE for the first time and that they'll sprinkle in main roster names as both guest stars and potential regulars to help make the brand as strong as possible
 
The 8/6 edition of NXT brought in 534,000 overnight viewers for n SyFy.

That's up from last week's 468,000, according to WrestleNomics.com.

In the 18-49 demo they did a 0.16.

That's up from last week's 0.15.
 
There was yet another major departure from World Wrestling Entertainment’s executive ranks this week, PWInsiderElite.com can confirm. Kristen Altman, who held the position of Vice President, Talent Relations Operations was let go by the company this past Monday.

Altman had been with WWE from 2008 on, when she started with the company as a receptionist at Titan Tower.

Over the years, she rose through the ranks of Talenr Relations, initially becoming a Talent Relations Coordinator before bcoming the Manager of Talent Relation and Developmental in June 2012. In February 2015, she became the Senior Manager of that department.

She became Vice President of the department in 2021 and was named VP of Talent Relations Operations in August 2022.

Altman’s Linked In Account noted that her responsibilities including Managing "WWE’s Talent Wellness Program including organizing and executing medical examinations, drug testing, semi-annual blood work, physical exams, cardio evaluations, ImPACT testing, and Medical Referrals. Work with all newly hired Talent by conducting Background Searches, booking Pre-Contract Medical Screening, assisting with Independent Contractors Agreements, and assisting with the relocation process. Recruit domestically and internationally for potential WWE Superstars and Divas and organize tryout camps and individual tryouts. Book extra talent for WWE TV events and fill very specific Talent needs (demographic, skills, etc) on very short term notice (mainly day of).”
 
In regard to WWE NXT on the road, PWInsiderElite.com can exclusively confirm that currently they are slated to broadcast live on the CW Network from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida for the remainder of October after the Chicago and St. Louis episodes.

That said, we are cautioned that WWE can always change plans (since there is quite some time until then) and that company executives are very interested in seeing how the initial ticket sales for Chicago and St. Louis sell before determining additional tapings on the road for the WWE NXT series on the CW Network.

The long-term goal is to raise the prestige of the brand as much as possible once it is on broadcast television. We are told that CW is "all in" on promoting the series as much as they can on their end and there's even been some early ideas tossed out about NXT talents potentially appearing on other CW series down the line as a suggestion of what they can do to cross-promote.

Brad Schwartz, who holds the post of Entertainment President for The CW Network, presided over cable network POP when it brought TNA Wrestling onto that network.
 
An update on Bobby Lashley and WWE.

Fightful Select had noted recently that Bobby Lashley’s contract would be up soon. His Hurt Business partner MVP’s contract has already expired, and Lashley’s isn’t far off. Based on what industry sources tell Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp, Lashley’s deal will be up this weekend.

Those we spoke to in WWE during Summerslam weekend were under the impression that Bobby Lashley would be leaving the company, and that there were no creative plans for him in the company moving forward. We can confirm that he’s been discussed backstage in All Elite Wrestling since word of his contract status emerged. However, no offer has been made as Lashley remains under contract.

We’re told that Lashley also has interest from the fighting world, and in Japan.

Those close to him believe he will make at least an appearance in AEW, and say he's ready to return to TV.

For those asking, Mustafa Ali is finished with TNA for the time being.
 
An update on Bobby Lashley and WWE.

Fightful Select had noted recently that Bobby Lashley’s contract would be up soon. His Hurt Business partner MVP’s contract has already expired, and Lashley’s isn’t far off. Based on what industry sources tell Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp, Lashley’s deal will be up this weekend.

Those we spoke to in WWE during Summerslam weekend were under the impression that Bobby Lashley would be leaving the company, and that there were no creative plans for him in the company moving forward. We can confirm that he’s been discussed backstage in All Elite Wrestling since word of his contract status emerged. However, no offer has been made as Lashley remains under contract.

We’re told that Lashley also has interest from the fighting world, and in Japan.

Those close to him believe he will make at least an appearance in AEW, and say he's ready to return to TV.

For those asking, Mustafa Ali is finished with TNA for the time being.
ALL ELITE BOBBY bout to go crazy







I hope
 
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