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Another AEW Full-Time Signing, Another Free Agent, And Another Contract Update

Added 2022-08-14 18:37:52 +0000 UTC

Ari Daivari already factors big into AEW.

Daivari has been heavily featured on AEW programming over the last couple of months, but first appeared last November following his WWE release. Since then, he'd worked the independent circuit, NJPW and AEW, while still getting a WWE producer trial run. Unfortunately, WWE experienced heavy producer cutbacks and he wasn't picked up for that. Fortunately for him, All Elite Wrestling did pick him up, and on a full-time deal.

Fightful Select has confirmed that Daivari has signed an agreement with AEW. He's been leading the Trustbusters group of Slim J, Parker Boudreaux and Sonny Kiss for the last month and made their way onto Rampage this past week. In addition, we were told that he produced the positively received Dr. Britt Baker DMD & Jamie Hayter vs. Thunderstorm matches as well, creating some versatility for his role. Daivari and Slim J appeared on ROH Death Before Dishonor as well.

Although Ariya Daivari is under a deal, we've also learned of talent that isn't. Fightful inquired about the contractual status of Alex Zayne, who appeared on both Ring Of Honor shows under the Tony Khan regime. We've learned that he's not under any agreement with AEW/ROH and is currently a free agent.

In addition, we've asked about the contract status of ROH commentator Ian Riccaboni. We're told he's currently on a previous Ring of Honor contract, and hopes to remain with Ring of Honor as a brand as long as possible. He's remained under contract since the sale, and is also booked for New Japan Strong shows through the end of the year.