Rey Fenix has officially become a free agent following his departure from AEW, according to a new report from Fightful Select. The high-flying wrestler is now expected to sign with WWE imminently, with merchandise preparations already underway.
AEW has chosen not to add injury time to Fenix’s contract despite initial expectations they would do so. This decision effectively terminates his relationship with the company completely, clearing the path for his WWE arrival.
According to Fightful Select, WWE is already preparing for Fenix’s debut, with significant steps being taken behind the scenes. “We’re told that he’s expected to sign with WWE imminently, and Fanatics have already begun preparing merchandise for him, with creative coming up with ideas,” the report states.
The situation surrounding Fenix’s AEW exit has been complex and contentious. He and his brother Penta were both reportedly negotiating with WWE last year before AEW extended their contracts. Fenix also reportedly made “vague allegations about inhumane treatment that AEW denied privately, but ignored publicly.”
Sources within AEW believe Fenix likely agreed to a non-disparagement clause to secure his release. Fightful also reported that AEW had considered releasing Fenix from his contract back in November, but the allegations made the situation more complicated.
Penta has taken a different approach from his brother, avoiding negative public comments about his AEW tenure. Creatively, AEW had no major plans for Fenix in recent programming, despite earlier concepts for him to join Penta and Pac in capturing the AEW Trios Championships.
A WWE source speaking with WrestleVotes provided additional confirmation of the imminent signing. “Spoke with a WWE source regarding the Rey Fenix news making the rounds. With him being free and clear, the expectation backstage is that he joins WWE sooner rather than later. Source added they wouldn’t be surprised if Fenix ends up on the WM card but noted there’s no exact timeline in place.”