It seems that a WWE Legend has “quietly signed” a new contract with the company, which, if genuine, will put a stop to any rumors of a deal with All Elite Wrestling. According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, the reason Bret Hart is working with FTR at an independent show rather than with AEW is that he has quietly struck a lucrative agreement with WWE.
That would rule him out of working for AEW, while it appears he is permitted to work on independent shows. Here’s what Dave Meltzer had to report.
“The reason this is on an indie show and not AEW is that those in AEW are of the belief that Hart quietly signed a lucrative WWE deal that would ban him from appearing on AEW shows. But he is allowed to do indie shows, so that loophole allowed this to happen,” Meltzer wrote.
Bret Hart associated with FTR
AEW stars like CM Punk and FTR have teased the event in the past, and both have stated that they are major fans of the wrestling legend.
That’s why it was expected Hart would join AEW in some capacity to oversee them, but the teases have ceased, and this could be the reason. The good news is that, even if he does sign with WWE, fans will still be able to see Hart and FTR in June.
The bout will be between FTR and Brian Pillman Jr. and Brock Anderson, and they will be accompanied by Arn Anderson, at Big Time Wrestling’s show in Webster, MA.
View this post on Instagram
What do AEW executives feel about Bret Hart?
It is reported in the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Bret Hart is said to have already signed a hefty contract with WWE and could be barred from participating for Tony Khan’s company, according to AEW insiders.
According to reports, Bret Hart is allowed to take indie bookings, which explains why he’ll be rooting for Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler when the AEW tag team takes on Brock Anderson and Brian Pillman Jr. for BTW.
Hart is also unlikely to compete in the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, as his rumoured WWE contract may preclude him from working with AEW.
Bret Hart debuted the world heavyweight championship for AEW at Double or Nothing 2019, although he is unlikely to work directly with the company until his new WWE contract ends.