A potential spoiler on an upcoming AEW debut has emerged.
Last week, AEW Chairman Tony Khan announced that a free agent will be heading through the forbidden door to sign with AEW make their debut, taking on Isiah Kassidy in a qualifying match for the upcoming Face Of The Revolution Ladder Match. Last year’s match, which was won by Scorpio Sky, saw the debut of Ethan Page.
Following the announcement, fans took to social media to speculate on the signing, with Jeff Hardy, Keith Lee and Josh Alexander among some the names discussed.
Despite several AEW Stars seemingly teasing the debut of Jeff Hardy, fans shouldn’t expect to see him in AEW just yet. It’s almost inevitable that he’ll arrive in the company at some point, however Fightful Select have been specifically told that the mystery debut will not be him. Hardy is currently under a 90-day non-compete clause following his WWE exit, which will expire in March.
Per Fightful Select, despite not knowing who the debut will be, many are unanimously speculating that it’ll be Keith Lee, whose non-compete contract recently expired.
It was noted that initially, several people within AEW weren’t sure that Lee would actually sign with the company, however over time the possibility increased.
There was also at least one wrestler who was confused by Khan’s description of the ‘forbidden door’, as they assumed that it’d mean someone who has recently worked for or is still working for another company.
Dave Meltzer recently noted on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that there has been talks between AEW and Lee, and that he could have already signed with the company.
While it remains unclear to who the debut will be for certain, during his announcement, Tony Khan described the debut as a ‘top wrestler’, who is welcome to slam the door in the face of their prior company.
The Forbidden Door can be opened for anyone from any wrestling promotion in the world, whether or not it’s a company @AEW is on good terms with, even if it’s someone from a company that’s open for business. They’re also welcome to slam the door in the face of their prior company.
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) February 5, 2022
As referenced on #AEWRampage, I have a surprise: on #AEWDynamite Live on @TBSNetwork a top wrestler will walk through the Forbidden Door this Wednesday and debut in @AEW. More info to come. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a great Rampage tonight! See you Wednesday on TBS!
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) February 5, 2022
