Wes Lee’s Next Move: Will AEW or TNA Sign the Former WWE Star After Recent Releases?

The wrestling world is buzzing with speculation about Wes Lee’s next career move following his WWE release. As AEW and TNA aggressively pursue top free agents, the high-flying former NXT star finds himself at a career crossroads.

With recent departures like Lance Anoa’i and Bloodline members reshaping WWE’s roster, Lee’s potential impact elsewhere grows exponentially. His unique athleticism and existing fanbase make him one of the most coveted talents currently available. The wrestling community eagerly awaits his decision that could shift the balance in either promotion’s mid-card division.

Wes Lee’s Surprising WWE Release: The Full Backstage Story

The wrestling world was shocked when WWE announced Wes Lee’s release amidst their latest roster cuts. Coming just months after his May 2024 return to NXT television, where he scored an impressive victory, this decision has puzzled both fans and industry insiders. The release appears to be part of WWE’s broader talent evaluation process that recently saw departures including Lance Anoa’i and a Bloodline member. According to backstage sources, WWE’s focus on developing younger talent played a significant role in the decision, similar to Dakota Kai’s release where being 37 was reportedly “part of it.”

What makes Lee’s case particularly surprising is his age – at just 30 years old, he’s theoretically in his wrestling prime. His performances consistently received praise from NXT officials, with his matches against Carmelo Hayes being standout moments. This contradiction raises questions about WWE’s current talent strategy and whether creative stagnation contributed to Lee’s departure.

Hoo hoo! While age might explain some releases, Wes Lee’s case is truly puzzling. At 30 with his athletic abilities, he should be entering his peak years. Perhaps WWE’s infamous “main roster glass ceiling” for NXT stars played a bigger role than they’re admitting.

Comparing Recent WWE Releases

AEW or TNA: Which Promotion Best Suits Wes Lee?

With Wes Lee now a free agent, the wrestling world is speculating about his next destination. Both AEW and TNA present compelling opportunities, each with unique advantages for the high-flying star. AEW’s roster boasts numerous established high-flyers like Ricochet and Will Ospreay, which could lead to dream matches but also risks Lee getting lost in the shuffle. Conversely, TNA’s lighter schedule and focus on the X-Division might offer more consistent television time and creative freedom.

AEW President Tony Khan has demonstrated willingness to push former WWE talents, as seen with Swerve Strickland’s successful reinvention. However, TNA’s recent resurgence under new management could provide Lee greater opportunities to become a centerpiece of their programming rather than just another star in a packed roster.

Looking at how MSK was treated in NXT, TNA’s tag team focus might actually be the smarter choice. Their X-Division could showcase Lee’s aerial abilities without needing mic skills he hasn’t fully developed yet. Remember how AJ Styles flourished there?

What Wes Lee Brings to Any Promotion

• Innovative high-flying offense that consistently delivers match of the night candidates
• Proven tag team chemistry from his MSK days with Nash Carter
• Established fanbase from his NXT run ready to follow him elsewhere
• Youth (30 years old) meaning any promotion could build around him long-term

“Reforming MSK in TNA?” The Compelling Case for a Tag Team Revival

One particularly intriguing possibility is Wes Lee reuniting with former MSK partner Nash Carter in TNA. Their high-energy tag team was a highlight of NXT’s tag division, winning the NXT Tag Team Championships twice. TNA’s current emphasis on tag team wrestling could make this reunion mutually beneficial, giving both wrestlers immediate credibility while solving TNA’s need for fresh tag team contenders.

The timing might be perfect – Carter has been rebuilding his career on the independent circuit following his own WWE release. A reunited MSK in TNA could recapture their NXT magic while benefiting from TNA’s more relaxed creative environment. This move would also allow Lee to share promo responsibilities while continuing to develop his singles skills gradually.

Hoo boy! MSK’s reunion could be exactly what both men need. Tag teams often get more consistent booking than singles wrestlers, and their existing chemistry would let them hit the ground running. Plus, TNA’s six-sided ring could take their aerial offense to even more spectacular levels!

Potential MSK Matchups in TANA

• VS The Rascalz – Aerial masterpiece waiting to happen
• VS ABC (Chris Bey & Ace Austin) – Clash of high-flying styles
• VS The System – Contrast of styles could produce classics
• VS Grizzled Young Vets – If Gibson & Drake return

“Will Wes Lee Join AEW’s Hurt Syndicate?” Faction Speculation Analyzed

Rumors about AEW’s Hurt Syndicate faction potentially adding new members have led to speculation about Wes Lee joining the group. On paper, this makes some sense – the faction could benefit from Lee’s unorthodox style as a contrast to their current members. With AEW announcing a new Blood & Guts event location, the timing aligns suspiciously well with Lee’s availability.

However, this move carries risks. AEW’s crowded roster means even faction members struggle for consistent TV time unless they’re established stars. Lee might find himself overshadowed by bigger names in the group. Additionally, his relatively limited mic skills could become more exposed in a faction that emphasizes strong promos and character work.

Potential AEW Dream Matches for Wes Lee

“Wes Lee vs WWE’s Midcard Mismanagement” – Analyzing Missed Opportunities

Wes Lee’s WWE tenure raises questions about the company’s ability to develop smaller, high-flying talent. Despite strong NXT performances, he never received consistent main roster opportunities. This pattern mirrors how WWE has historically underutilized similar talents until they leave – see Ricochet’s pre-AEW run. WWE’s heavy focus on size and microphone skills creates artificial ceilings for exceptional in-ring performers like Lee.

The situation highlights a paradox in modern WWE: while NXT develops diverse, wrestling-first talent, the main roster often fails to capitalize on these investments. Lee’s case seems especially frustrating given his relative youth and apparent backstage popularity. Unlike veteran releases, this looks like a true loss of future potential rather than roster trimming.

This isn’t just about Wes Lee – it’s systemic. WWE’s “one size fits all” approach wastes specialized talents. In the 90s, they had Light Heavyweight and Cruiserweight divisions to showcase different styles. Maybe it’s time to bring that back, hoo hoo!

How Other Promotions Could Better Utilize Wes Lee

• AEW: Feature him in their twice-yearly “pillars” tournaments to establish new stars
• TNA: Make him centerpiece of X-Division revival with weekly showcase matches
• NJPW: Junior Heavyweight division and Best of Super Juniors tournament
• MLW: Could build entire promotion around his star power

“The Contract Clock is Ticking” – Wes Lee’s 90-Day Non-Compete Explained

Like most WWE releases, Wes Lee is likely subject to a 90-day non-compete clause preventing immediate appearances elsewhere. However, notable exceptions exist – some talents have seen this period shortened or waived entirely. Industry insiders suggest Lee’s situation might differ if his WWE deal had neared expiration anyway.

This waiting period could actually benefit Lee by allowing time for strategic negotiations. Rather than rushing into a decision, he can carefully weigh options as both AEW and TNA position themselves for potential bidding wars over top free agents. The wrestling landscape continues shifting rapidly, with new opportunities potentially emerging before the non-compete expires.

Recent Notable Non-Compete Situations