EJ Nduka has publicly addressed his AEW exit after Fightful confirmed his contract expiration on May 2. The former NFL Combine participant responded sharply to fan discussions about his underutilization, tweeting:
Some people don’t know what to do with Gold even if you hand it to them.
Nduka joined AEW in 2023 after brief WWE NXT and MLW stints, but primarily competed on untelevised shows before transitioning to Ring of Honor in 2024. There, he formed the LeeJ tag team with Lee Johnson – marking his most consistent in-ring role during his tenure.
His departure follows similar trajectories to other physically imposing talents like Miro and Brian Cage, who’ve voiced comparable creative frustrations. Nduka’s NFL background (2012 Combine participant) and limited TV exposure created ongoing fan questions about his utilization, which his tweets now directly acknowledge.
The 34-year-old’s future remains uncertain, though his social media suggests he’s already eyeing new opportunities. His athletic pedigree and unfulfilled potential likely make him an intriguing free agent for major promotions worldwide.
Some people don’t know what to do with Gold even if you hand it to them. https://t.co/MdB6gwm7lF
— EJ Nduka “The Judge” (@EjTheJudge) May 2, 2025