AEW News

Former NJPW Star Signs With AEW Despite WWE’s Invited Tryout

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On the March 29th episode of AEW Collision, former NJPW wrestler Kevin Knight made his All Elite Wrestling debut, facing off against “Switchblade” Jay White.

Despite Knight’s strong showing, White secured the victory with his signature Blade Runner. Post-match, White showed sportsmanship by praising Knight, hinting at a bright future for the newcomer in AEW.

Shortly after, AEW President Tony Khan took to X to confirm Knight’s signing, writing:

“Congratulations, it’s official! After a fantastic performance at Saturday Night AEW Collision, Kevin Knight is All Elite!”

Kevin Knight Is All Elite AEW Graphic

Knight is a former two-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion alongside KUSHIDA in New Japan Pro Wrestling.

However, the signing wasn’t without competition. According to PWInsider, Knight had an invited tryout at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando several weeks prior. Despite WWE’s interest in bringing him into NXT, Knight ultimately chose to join AEW.

AEW Collision Results From Last Night

– Megan Bayne & Penelope Ford attacked AEW Women’s World Champion “Timeless” Toni Storm. Bayne took out Storm with Fate’s Descent and stood tall.

– Jay White def. Kevin Knight

After the match, White declared that he will win the 2025 Men’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament and will go on to challenge for the AEW World Championship at All In Texas.

– TBS Women’s Champion Mercedes Mone def. Robyn Renegade

After the match, Mercedes declared that she’s the greatest TBS Champion of all time, and announced she will be entering the Women’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament. ROH Women’s Champion Athena confronted Mercedes. Mercedes attempted to hit Athena with the TBS Title, but she saw it coming and punched Mercedes.

– Big Bill & Bryan Keith def. Top Flight

– Jamie Hayter declared her entry into the Women’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament.

– Daniel Garcia (c) vs. Adam Cole for the TNT Championship was made official for AEW Dynasty in a match with no time limit and no one at ringside.

– Athena & Billie Starkz declared their entry into the Women’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament.

– AEW Trios Champion Wheeler Yuta def. Dax Harwood

After the match, Dax blamed the Referee and pushed him into the corner. Security tried to calm Dax down. Cash Wheeler came out and got them away from Dax, but Dax pushed him down to the mat.

– Hologram def. Blake Christian to take his AEW record to 22-0

– Kris Statlander & Thunder Rosa declared their entry into the Women’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament.

– Men’s & Women’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament Brackets will be revealed on next week’s Dynamite.

– Jamie Hayter def. Billie Starkz

Also Read: “It was out of the blue” – WWE Wrestler On His AEW Exit

        
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