The AEW Stars' Contracts On Brink: A Countdown to Uncertainty in 2023

The All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has been on a rollercoaster ride since its inception in 2019. With its unique blend of talented wrestlers, innovative storylines, and cutting-edge production, the promotion has managed to carve out a significant niche for itself in the world of professional wrestling. However, behind the scenes, there are whispers of uncertainty regarding the contracts of several AEW stars. As we head into 2023, several wrestlers are facing the threat of their contracts expiring, leaving their futures hanging in the balance. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the AEW stars whose contracts are on the brink of expiration and explore the implications for the promotion.

With the rise of AEW, the wrestling landscape has undergone a significant transformation. The promotion has attracted a diverse range of talent, from established veterans to up-and-coming prospects. However, as the contracts of these wrestlers approach expiration, the question on everyone's mind is: who's next to jump ship? In this article, we'll examine the contracts of several AEW stars and explore the factors that could impact their futures.

AEW's Contract Structure

One of the key factors contributing to the uncertainty surrounding AEW's contracts is the promotion's own contract structure. Unlike traditional promotions like WWE and Impact Wrestling, AEW operates on a more flexible model, with contracts that can be renegotiated on a case-by-case basis. While this approach has allowed AEW to attract top talent, it also creates uncertainty for wrestlers who are not sure what the future holds.

In recent months, there have been reports of AEW offering contract extensions to several wrestlers, including Chris Jericho, MJF, and Darby Allin. However, these extensions come with conditions, and not all wrestlers are willing to commit to the promotion for the long haul. As the contracts of these wrestlers approach expiration, it's unclear whether AEW will be able to retain their services or whether they'll be forced to look elsewhere.

AEW's Salaries and Benefits

Another factor contributing to the uncertainty surrounding AEW's contracts is the promotion's salary structure. While AEW has managed to attract top talent, its salaries are not always commensurate with the level of exposure and recognition that these wrestlers receive. In recent months, there have been reports of several AEW wrestlers requesting significant pay raises, citing the fact that they are not being fairly compensated for their services.

In addition to salary, benefits are also an important consideration for wrestlers. AEW offers its talent a range of benefits, including medical coverage and paid time off. However, these benefits can vary depending on the wrestler's contract and level of experience. As the contracts of AEW wrestlers approach expiration, it's unclear whether the promotion will be able to offer significant improvements to its benefits package.

The Contract Status of AEW's Top Stars

As the contracts of AEW's top stars approach expiration, the promotion is facing a number of challenges. Here are a few examples of wrestlers whose contracts are on the brink of expiration:

• Chris Jericho: Chris Jericho is one of AEW's biggest stars, and his contract is set to expire in 2023. While Jericho has been vocal about his love for AEW, there have been reports that he is seeking a significant pay raise in order to remain with the promotion.
• MJF: MJF is another top AEW wrestler whose contract is set to expire in 2023. While MJF has been praised for his in-ring work, there have been reports that he is seeking a significant pay raise in order to remain with the promotion.
• Darby Allin: Darby Allin is a fan favorite in AEW, and his contract is set to expire in 2023. While Allin has been vocal about his love for AEW, there have been reports that he is seeking a significant pay raise in order to remain with the promotion.

The Implications for AEW

The expiration of AEW's top stars' contracts has significant implications for the promotion. Here are a few potential consequences:

• Talent Exodus: The expiration of AEW's top stars' contracts could lead to a talent exodus, with several wrestlers jumping ship in search of better deals. This could have a significant impact on AEW's ability to compete with WWE and Impact Wrestling.
• Creative Constraints: The loss of AEW's top stars could also have creative constraints, with the promotion struggling to fill the void left by their departure. This could lead to a decline in overall quality and consistency, which could have negative implications for the promotion's bottom line.
• Economic Consequences: The expiration of AEW's top stars' contracts could also have economic consequences, with the promotion facing significant financial losses as a result of the departure of several high-profile wrestlers.

Potential Solutions for AEW

In order to mitigate the risks associated with the expiration of its top stars' contracts, AEW needs to take several steps. Here are a few potential solutions:

• Offer Better Salaries and Benefits: AEW needs to offer its top stars better salaries and benefits in order to retain their services. This could include significant pay raises, as well as improved benefits packages.
• Provide More Creative Freedom: AEW needs to provide its top stars with more creative freedom in order to keep them engaged and motivated. This could include more control over their storylines and match types.
• Develop Emerging Talent: AEW needs to develop its emerging talent in order to reduce the risk of losing its top stars to other promotions. This could include promoting more wrestlers from its developmental system, as well as providing more opportunities for up-and-coming talent to shine.

The Future of AEW

As the contracts of AEW's top stars approach expiration, the