AEW News: Updates On AEW Potentially Signing Brodie Lee, Lance Archer, And Brian Cage

Brodie Lee, formerly known as Luke Harper in WWE, has signed with All Elite Wrestling, and will make his AEW debut on March 18 edition of Dynamite, Dave Meltzer said in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

Lee was released from his WWE contract on Dec. 8 after months of speculation about the wrestler’s future either in or out of WWE. While rumors began circulating about where he could end up, his contract’s 90-day no-compete clause would keep him from legally working on TV in the U.S. until Feb. 12. Meltzer said that is the first reason for the delayed debut.

The second reason Meltzer gave for the delayed debut is that the March 18 episode is scheduled for Rochester, New York, Lee’s hometown. Meltzer said it would guarantee a bigger reaction than he would have at many other locations.

New Japan’s Lance Archer is the second potential signee reportedly in deep talks with AEW.

Meltzer’s update comes on the back of a Sports Illustrated report saying AEW was interested in bringing in the former IWGP U.S. Heavyweight Champion. However, he noted though Archer’s signing isn’t a done deal, it is far enough along that both sides have started pitching angles for his debut.

It’s also unknown if he would be allowed to continue working in New Japan, similar to Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley’s contracts.

A third potential signee for AEW is the former Impact Wrestling World Champion, Brian Cage.

Reports began emerging Jan. 12 that Cage had signed a multiyear deal with AEW though neither side confirmed these reports. Cage’s wife, Melissa Santos, challenged the reports as well, saying he hadn’t signed anywhere.

Cage’s status has become more questionable due to a severe bicep injury.

He tore both his biceps before his scheduled match with Rob Van Dam at Hard to Kill on Jan. 12. Meltzer said his recovery period is reportedly seven to eight months, taking Cage out of the ring for most of 2020.