A longtime AEW tag team, The Butcher and The Blade, have officially become free agents after the company opted not to renew their contracts.
According to Fightful Select, AEW has parted ways with The Butcher and The Blade following the expiration of their deals. The report states that the promotion did not offer either wrestler a new contract, leaving both men free to sign elsewhere.
The duo were among AEW’s early signings and debuted on the November 27, 2019, episode of Dynamite. Over the years, they became a familiar presence in the tag team division, earning a reputation for their physical, hard-hitting style.
However, their momentum slowed significantly in recent years, largely due to injuries. The Blade had been sidelined with a serious spinal problem and had not teamed with The Butcher on AEW television since January 2024.
In September 2024, The Blade underwent spinal fusion surgery before eventually returning to the ring in December 2025.
The Butcher Continued To Wrestle In AEW As A Singles Wrestler After The Blade’s Injury
During his partner’s absence, The Butcher continued competing as a singles wrestler. His final AEW appearance came in February 2025, when he faced Gabe Kidd on an episode of Collision.
The departures bring an end to a run that spanned more than five years with the company. As one of the teams that helped establish AEW during its formative years, The Butcher and The Blade became regular fixtures across Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision throughout their tenure.
With both contracts now expired, the veteran tandem is free to pursue opportunities wherever they choose, whether that means continuing as a team, exploring singles careers or signing with another promotion.
