Folks, grab your popcorn and maybe even a magnifying glass because this contract situation between The Lucha Brothers, AEW, and WWE is messier than a poorly planned buffet at an all-you-can-eat barbecue joint. The tag team duo of Penta El Zero Miedo and Rey Fenix—who have been flipping and flying around the ring like lucha libre superheroes—are stuck in the middle of what can only be described as a good ol’ fashioned tug-of-war.
WWE Rumors: Jumping the Gun or Wishful Thinking?
Now, rumors were flying faster than a Penta tope suicida that the Lucha Brothers were heading straight to WWE’s main roster, completely bypassing the developmental zone known as NXT. You could almost hear the collective gasp from WWE fans ready to welcome them with open arms, but folks, hold your horses. Fightful Select shut that down on Friday, reporting that Penta and Fenix are not signed with WWE “in any capacity.” None. Zip. Zilch. In fact, they’re still firmly under AEW’s thumb, courtesy of some handy-dandy contract extensions that got padded with injury time. Smart business move? You bet.
The “Package Deal” Drama
Word on the street is that Penta was out there, talking to WWE this summer, telling anyone with two ears and a pulse that he and his brother Fenix were a “package deal.” You know, like the bread and butter of Mexican wrestling. But there was one little catch—they didn’t want to be sent to WWE NXT, that developmental purgatory where talent goes to “evolve” before hitting the big leagues. Can’t blame them. Penta and Fenix are established stars—they’re about as ready for main roster status as a turkey on Thanksgiving Day.
AEW’s Clever Counterpunch
So what does AEW do when they catch wind that their Lucha Bros might be sneaking out the back door? Well, Tony Khan—being the crafty businessman he is—played a little contractual Tetris and tacked on injury time to their deals. Fenix, in particular, had “substantially more” injury time, which means while Penta’s contract might have been nearing the end, Fenix is still locked in with AEW for almost another year.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, Tony Khan wasn’t about to let his high-flying stars soar off to WWE just yet. He added time to their contracts faster than a referee counts to three, keeping them tied down in AEW, where there’s still plenty of drama to unfold.
AEW’s Plans: Keeping It Low-Key?
Now, this is where things get even murkier, folks. Apparently, AEW had planned to slap some gold around Penta and Fenix’s waists at All In, by putting the AEW World Trios Championship on them and PAC. But, surprise, surprise, the Lucha Brothers didn’t sign on the dotted line. While they didn’t outright say, “We’re leaving,” they sure didn’t commit to sticking around either. So, we’re left wondering if AEW plans to have them take a bow and put some younger talent over before they ride off into the sunset, or if they’ll stay cagey about their future while getting those checks. Fightful couldn’t confirm much, but one thing is clear—the Lucha Brothers are still being paid. The question is, for how long?