AEW Threat Sees WWE Deny Release Requests, Sign Goldberg, Report Says

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is taking the threat of newly formed All Elite Wrestling (AEW) seriously and are ensuring it does not lose any of its superstars to the rival promotion. Vince McMahon is extending deals of various members on the roster and also not allowing anyone to leave before the end of their existing contracts expire.

WWE has been facing an exodus of sorts in recent weeks with a number of superstars either leaving the company or asking for a release as they look to further their pro-wrestling career elsewhere. The likes of Dustin Rhodes and Tye Dillinger have got their wish but Luke Harper and former RAW tag team champions The Revival have not been lucky.

According to Cageside Seats, the WWE is not keen to allow any wrestler out of their existing contracts if they feel there is a danger that they will join newly formed AEW ahead of its first live show “Double or Nothing” on May 25. The world’s most popular pro-wrestling promotion is not in a mood to help the new promotion, which already is making waves since its launch earlier this year.

Harper was keen to leave the WWE and had requested his release from the company but recent reports have suggested that not only has WWE denied his request but has now added time to his contract after he missed about five months owing to a wrist injury.

Similarly, The Revival – Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson – had also asked for a release in January but were asked to hold on and give it time for their situation to improve. They have since been offered new five-year deals worth around $500,000, which has been turned down and possibly as a punishment, Wilder has seen a few months added to his existing deal because he was out earlier through injury.

Meanwhile, the same report claims that WWE is not only denying release requests of wrestlers who want to leave the company but is also signing some big names due to the threat of them potentially joining AEW. Recently, WWE announced that Bill Goldberg will return to the promotion for its upcoming pay-per-view event in Saudi Arabia.

Goldberg has not competed inside the squared circle since he dropped the Universal title to Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 33 but has been announced to play a role in the Middle East event. It is unclear, who he will fight on his return, but Cageside Seats, via pro-wrestling expert Dave Meltzer, claim he was partly signed for fear of him joining AEW.