Rusev aka Miro is now a free agent after being officially released from AEW. His departure ends a four-year run with AEW and opens the door for potential opportunities elsewhere, with WWE reportedly showing interest in bringing him back.
Miro, who joined AEW in 2020 after leaving WWE, had long been dealing with creative differences within the company. According to reports, one of the primary reasons for his limited television appearances was his reluctance to take losses in matches, which clashed with AEW’s booking plans.
A Lucrative AEW Deal That Ended Abruptly
The Wrestling Observer provided further details on Miro’s AEW departure. He initially signed a lucrative seven-figure contract with AEW in September 2020, set to expire in the spring of 2022. However, he later agreed to a four-year extension, which would have kept him with AEW until 2026. Despite this long-term deal, Miro’s presence on AEW programming dwindled over time.
CJ Perry’s AEW Run and Their Planned Storyline
Throughout his AEW tenure, Miro frequently referenced his then-wife, CJ Perry (formerly known as Lana in WWE), before she eventually joined AEW. WWE had reportedly reached out to Perry in 2022 for a potential return, but she and Miro, following advice from a mentor, decided they were better off working together in AEW.
Miro successfully convinced AEW President Tony Khan to bring Perry into the company. The original plan was for them to remain apart at first, only to eventually reunite and rekindle their on-screen chemistry, similar to their WWE dynamic as Rusev and Lana. In late 2023, Perry turned on Andrade El Idolo and aligned herself with Miro at Worlds End, seemingly setting up a major storyline.
However, after that moment, both disappeared from AEW television. Reports indicate that Miro suffered an injury and spent time in Bulgaria for a few months, further delaying any potential storyline development.
Expectations of a Major Push
According to The Wrestling Observer, Miro and Perry were “under the impression” that they would receive a major push as an on-screen duo. However, that push never materialized, leaving them frustrated with their roles in the company. Miro reportedly pitched multiple ideas for himself and Perry, but AEW’s creative team largely ignored them.
Eventually, Perry was released from AEW, adding to Miro’s frustrations. By August 2024, he officially requested his release, signaling his desire to leave the company. Since then, there had been no indication that AEW had any plans to reintegrate The Redeemer into its storylines, making his release unsurprising.
What’s Next for Miro?
With his AEW contract officially terminated, Miro is free to sign with any wrestling promotion. WWE’s interest in bringing him back has already been reported, but it remains unclear whether he will return to his former company or explore other options. Given his history in WWE and the company’s current talent acquisitions, a reunion is a strong possibility.
For now, wrestling fans eagerly await Miro’s next move, as the former TNT Champion looks to reignite his career elsewhere.
