We’ll admit it: Tony Khan got us again.
The CEO, GM and head of creative has fooled us a time or two before when teasing a big announcement. Some of them have turned out to be quite big and others not so much.
However, Khan used a different tactic this week, promoting a wrestler signing with AEW this weekend at Full Gear.
AEW has agreed to terms with one of the world's best wrestlers, a pro who is known + respected by virtually every @AEW fan! They'll come to LA to sign their contract THIS SATURDAY 11/18 on ppv at #AEWFullGear!
See you TONIGHT on TBS for the final #AEWDynamite before Full Gear!
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) November 15, 2023
Khan doesn’t always show his cards on wrestler signings, as they sometimes just arrive unannounced. Adam Copeland was the most recent example, even though the larger pro wrestling industry wasn’t totally shocked when it happened.
The wording that Khan used is also worth noting: “a pro who is known + respected by virtually every AEW fan.” That suggests it’s someone very widely recognized, and thus rules out the likes of Giulia or Flip Gordon (who signed with CMLL anyway).
So who could it be? We’re always up for some speculation ahead of the reveal on Saturday night, so let’s go over the four most likely candidates in the approximate order of likelihood as we see it.
Mercedes Moné
Why it could be her: If AEW was going to sign the artist formerly known as Sasha Banks, it didn’t make sense to do it until she was healed up from an injury suffered earlier this year. Mercedes Moné certainly fits the description that Khan used as a top wrestler and one who is universally known and respected. Among former WWE talents who are available, she’s arguably the biggest needle-mover out there.
Why it might not be her: Are we sure that Moné wants to tie herself down to any company, let alone AEW? Since leaving WWE, she seemed to revel in the freedom she had, which she’d likely give up by inking a deal with AEW. And the company’s booking of the women’s division isn’t exactly a strength.
Goldberg
Why it could be him: Are there any wrestling fans who don’t know Goldberg? He’s certainly a recognizable name to anyone who’s even remotely dipped into pro wrestling over the last few decades, and even lapsed fans might perk up if they heard he was in AEW. He certainly hasn’t sounded like a guy who has embraced the idea of retirement, and he’s much more likely to get one more run in AEW than WWE at this point, especially since Khan has stated repeatedly they’ve talked in the past.
Why it might not be him: Khan might be overplaying his announcement if he’s suggesting Goldberg is “one of the world’s best wrestlers” when they already employ the likes of Bryan Danielson. Goldberg is also 56, and though he keeps himself in tremendous shape, it’s hard to imagine him coming in for a regular stint of any kind — and what feathers that might ruffle in the locker room if he receives a big push.
Will Ospreay
Why it could be him: One of the best wrestlers in the world? Check. Known and respected by every AEW fan? We’ll say yes since he’s appeared at Forbidden Door and on AEW TV more than once, though it’s pushing it a bit compared to Mercedes or Goldberg. Ospreay has softened his stance on not wanting to move to the U.S. and if AEW was going to lock him up, this would be the time.
Why it might not be him: Ospreay is said to be under contract until February of next year, so he might not be available to be signed right now (unless this is like a college recruit announcing their intentions ahead of time). He’s also said to be highly coveted by WWE and really appeared to enjoy working with Impact/TNA too, so there’s no guarantee that even if he decides to go across the pond that it’s going to be with AEW.
Dolph Ziggler
Why it could be him: While he wouldn’t be able to use the Ziggler name in AEW, Nick Nemeth just finished two decades in WWE and is known to pretty much every wrestling fan. He’s also very well respected as an in-ring worker and a good locker room influence. So he fits all the criteria.
Why it might not be him: It’s been widely reported that Ziggler’s non-compete clause after his WWE release doesn’t expire until December, so this feels a bit too early. Also, as Dave Meltzer noted, he doesn’t quite reach the same level of widespread recognition as the other three names we’ve thrown out there, though Khan would almost certainly argue against that idea if it does turn out to be Dolph.