The Elite Reveal Why They Signed New AEW Deals

After months of speculation, The Elite removed all doubt about their future intentions, with it revealed that The Young Bucks, Kenny Omega, and Hangman Adam Page had all signed new long-term deals with All Elite Wrestling.

Whilst there was the possibility of The Elite jumping ship to WWE, most fans expected them to remain with AEW, and in an interview with Sports Illustrated, The Elite have revealed why they chose to remain ‘All Elite’:

“I was careful to weigh out all options and was open minded to all possibilities,” said Kenny Omega. “I’m here to help whomever I can while I’m still around. Up to this point, I’ve made the choice to sacrifice everything in the name of pro wrestling. I can’t say that family or my kids influenced the decision to stay with AEW – I’m not married and without kids – but what I can say is that I’m incredibly proud of my match catalogue and the wonderful people I’ve met and continue to meet. AEW not only allows me to continue doing what I do at a high level, but allows the freedom to pursue some other passions I have in life – which, after nearly 25 years in the ring, have become more and more important to me.”

The Young Bucks concurred, noting how the lighter schedule of AEW was a massive reason for them staying:

“We’re literally the ‘E’ in AEW,” said Matt Jackson. “The Elite are the main characters of this company. No matter how different AEW is now from its original inception, we are the DNA. And if you lose the foundation of your home, it eventually collapses. It’d be a lie if I said that didn’t weigh on us, when making the decision.”

“If we’re going to be honest the schedule was a huge part of it,” said Nick Jackson. “I have a wife and three young children and seeing them as much as possible was a big factor. I’m not going to lie, the money was a huge factor, too.

“At this point of my life and career, I just couldn’t see myself being on the road half of the year or even more than that. I have so much respect for the guys and girls that are able to do that year after year. We for sure could’ve made memories in WWE, but what’s more important to me is making memories with my family. With the position we’re in, I’ll be able to do that and still make memories in AEW.”

Matt Jackson continued, also noting how family played a big part in his decision:

“In my older years of my career, being closer to the end than I am the beginning, I’m not really one who worries much about my legacy anymore,” said Matt. “I’ve kind of noticed, like a summer tan, most memories fade. Or, they’re remembered differently or told with errors anyway. Oftentimes the memory is almost instantly forgotten, because you hit the refresh button. As far as my own personal stories, I’ll have enough to retell my grandchildren for a lifetime. And much of those stories can be about how I helped create a massively successful wrestling company where all of your favourites can be seen on live television every week.

“Ultimately, I made the best decision for my family. Working in AEW will allow me the most time with my children, and they’re still at the young age where they need their dad home as much as possible. Having the strongest marriage possible with my wife Dana is so important to me as well. When wrestling is finished, I want to come home to a full, healthy home. The entire Elite was going to make the decision of where we were going, together. And that’s what we did. We stuck together. Which isn’t typical in the wrestling business. But again, I used the word family earlier. We’re not just locker room pals. We’re more like a family. And we did what the family wanted.”

Hangman Page also shared his reasoning for re-upping with AEW, echoing the sentiments of his stablemates:

“I think it’s very meaningful that, as a day one guy, I stay with AEW,” said Hangman. “It’s likely that I will one day finish my career here. Hopefully that can help the future generations see that there can be more than one path to success.”

Page continued: “At this stage of my life the selling point was the schedule. AEW’s schedule allows me to be home with my family for the majority of the week and will ideally help my body hold up better in the long run. And the pay is good.

“AEW emerging as a legitimate wrestling company has helped drive up bargaining power for wrestlers and others who work in the industry. Making a long-term commitment to a still-growing AEW I felt was the best way I could help continue that progress.

“Pro wrestling has given me so much, starting with free hot dogs, and now the ability to provide a secure future for myself and my family. I want to eventually leave it better than I found it for future generations.”

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