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The free agent market is going crazy with ex-WWE stars just in time for AEW’s next PPV

Live coverage and related reports for The free agent market is going crazy with ex-WWE stars just in time for AEW’s next PPV.

AI Story Summary

What happened?

A large group of former WWE talent released after WrestleMania 42 is reportedly set to become available when their 90-day non-compete clauses expire at midnight on July 23. The timing has drawn attention because it comes just before AEW’s next pay-per-view, but the report does not confirm any signings or appearances.

Key Takeaways

Several notable ex-WWE wrestlers are expected to hit free agency at the same time.
The reported free-agent date is midnight on July 23.
Names listed include Aleister Black, Zelina Vega, Kairi Sane, Santos Escobar, Zoey Stark, Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, Dexter Lumis, Joe Gacy, Chris Sabin, and Alex Shelley.
The timing may fuel fan speculation around AEW’s next pay-per-view, but no AEW deals are confirmed in the article.

AI Timeline

After WrestleMania 42

WWE released a group of wrestlers, starting the clock on their reported 90-day non-compete clauses.

This week

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter highlighted that many of those clauses are nearing expiration.

July 23 at midnight

The listed former WWE talents are reported to become free agents.

Ahead of AEW’s next PPV

The timing has fans watching the market closely, though the article does not confirm any AEW appearances.

Model: gpt-5.5•Generated: Jul 17, 2:31 AM

Sources Covering This Story

Cageside Seats

Timeline

Jul 17, 2:00 AM

The free agent market is going crazy with ex-WWE stars just in time for AEW’s next PPV

Cageside Seats • WWE

GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 07: Aleister Black and Zelina look on during SmackDown at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on November 7, 2025 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Craig Melvin/WWE via Getty Images) | WWE via Getty Images This week’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter provides a useful reminder for wrestling fans that the free agent market is about to go crazy in the middle of next week. That’s because WWE released a whole bunch of talented stars after WrestleMania 42, and many of those 90-day non compete clauses are ending next week. “These former WWE wrestlers become free agents at midnight on 7/23: Taylor Rotunda/Bo Dallas, 36, Joseph Ruby, 38, (Joe Gacy), Joseph Ruud, 44 (Erick Rowan), Samuel Shaw, 42 (Dexter Lumis), Tom Budgen, (Aleister Black), Thea Trinidad Budgen, 35 (Zelina Vega), Kairi Housako, 37 (Kairi Sane), Jorge Alcantar, 42 (Santos Escobar), Theresa Serrano, 32 (Zoey Stark), Chris Sabin, 44 and Patrick Martin, 43 (Alex Shelley).” It’s a loaded list of t

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