WWE has reportedly made changes to its current talent hiring approach, as the company continues to focus heavily on its internal development system.
With WWE’s ID and NIL programmes bringing an increasing number of prospects into the Performance Center, the developmental pipeline is said to be well stocked. While WWE has continued to make occasional high-profile signings from promotions such as AEW, TNA Wrestling and NJPW, the company is reportedly not actively looking to add new talent at this time.
According to Dave Meltzer in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE has recently informed talent from both TNA and AEW who have reached out that there is no immediate interest in expanding the roster. The reasoning given is the volume of developmental talent already under contract, with many performers considered ready to move up to NXT or beyond.
“We were told that of late talent from both TNA and AEW who have called WWE have been told that they aren’t looking at hiring new people. The idea is that they have so many in developmental, many of whom are ready that they don’t need new people.”
Meltzer noted that this stance is not absolute and would not necessarily apply to major names at the very top level. However, the general feeling within WWE is that the company is well covered internally and does not need to pursue additional signings in the short term.
“This is not an absolute, and obviously guys the level of Jericho or Slater wouldn’t necessarily fall into that category.”
The report comes amid continued speculation surrounding Chris Jericho, whose AEW contract is believed to expire at the end of 2025. Jericho has been widely linked with a potential return to WWE in early 2026, though he has recently stated that he is still weighing up his future and has not made any firm decisions regarding his next move.
Will Chris Jericho Sign With WWE?
It is currently unknown if Chris Jericho will sign with WWE when his AEW contract is up, but there has been heavy speculation from fans and industry insiders alike that Y2J could make his way back to the promotion where he built his reputation in the wrestling business as one of the greatest to lace up a pair of boots.
Jericho’s AEW contract is said to be expiring at the end of this year, and if that is true, he could be a free agent in time for a surprise return at the Royal Rumble.
