WWE likely to make an offer to beloved outgoing AEW star in 2026 - Reports

An AEW fan-favorite could receive an offer from WWE after his contract with All Elite Wrestling expires, according to a recent report. The star in question, Danhausen, has been on hiatus in the Tony Khan-led company for almost two years now.

Danhausen first showed up on All Elite Wrestling programming back in 2022. Despite being a reliable crowd favorite, the face-painted star has mostly been used in the Jacksonville-based company's mid-card and tag title scenes so far. He has not been featured on AEW programming since the end of 2023, and earlier this year news broke that despite Danhausen wanting to part ways, the promotion had added injury time to the Michigan-native's deal, extending it into 2026.

Some time recently it was reported that the "Very Nice, Very Evil" grappler's All Elite Wrestling deal could expire around February next year. Fans have been speculating for some time now that he could jump ship to WWE subsequently. Now, another update from WrestleVotes during a Q&A session has claimed that while there are individuals in the sports entertainment juggernaut who do want Danhausen to be signed, there are also others in the company who are not so eager to see him there.

The report furthermore noted that while Danhausen would no doubt receive an offer owing to his skills and popularity, WWE being his next destination is not a definitive prospect yet.

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“I know there are people there who want him to come over, and I also know there are people there who aren’t very keen on him or his talents. I’m sure there will be an offer—he’s talented and he’s over. But I know some people there just don’t get it, and that’s fair. So we’ll see. I don’t think him coming over is a done deal yet.” [H/T- Ringside News]

The last time he was seen inside an AEW ring was at Worlds End 2023 Zero Hour, where he unsuccessfully participated in a Battle Royale for a shot at the TNT Championship.

Odds of AEW's Danhausen popping up at WWE Royal Rumble 2026

WWE's Royal Rumble match is not only a favorite of the wrestling world for its format and stakes, but also because the annual bout features surprise appearances in the form of returns and debuts almost every year. After news broke of Danhausen's AEW contract expiring next year, fans began to speculate on whether the star could make his WWE debut during the 2026 Men's Rumble.

However, during a recent edition of the Fightful Select Answers Q&A podcast, Sean Ross Sapp clarified that unless All Elite Wrestling granted Danhausen an earlier release, the chances of him performing in the Royal Rumble next year are quite slim, stating:

"Barring some trickery, I don't think he would be able to do the 2026 Royal Rumble. I think it's a bad mark on AEW that they extended his contract due to injury time with absolutely no plans to use him, and with him wanting to be let go. What purpose does that serve? Just let the guy go. It's just a waste of money. If he doesn't want to be there and you don't want to use him, cut him loose. Him getting an AEW release is about the only way that could happen, which honestly isn't out of the realm of possibility," said Sapp.

During his hiatus, Danhausen has kept his skills sharp on the independent circuit, competing in promotions such as GCW, HOG, Glory Pro and more.

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Edited by Anurag Mukherjee