The former Rusev, now known as Miro, showed up in AEW as a surprise and there have been reports that he signed a “multiyear” agreement with AEW.
While technically true, reports have been misleading. When Miro first left WWE, he was seriously contemplating retirement and turned down a nice offer from New Japan Pro Wrestling. AEW had made inquiries as well, but hadn’t made a formal offer like NJPW had.
A source familiar with the company’s approach to recruiting Miro said Tony Khan, AEW’s owner, didn’t want to pressure Miro at a time when he wasn’t sure if he wanted to keep wrestling or not.
Miro eventually warmed up to the idea of joining AEW, but was hesitant to make a long term commitment and insisted on only signing a one year contract. AEW was uncomfortable giving a big push to someone who could leave in a year and the impasse led to AEW’s original plans for Miro being delayed.
The compromise ended up being that Miro can opt out of his deal in one year, but AEW can match any offers he receives. Khan is said to be very confident he can retain Miro in the event that Miro opts out next year. However, AEW has tried to put out in the media that Miro signed a multiyear deal, which again is technically true, but there’s no guarantee Miro will be in AEW longer than a year.
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