Is the WWE looking to lock down its talent to long-term deals?  That seems to be the case based on a recent report from Dave Meltzer and news that Dominik Mysterio, Rey Mysterio, and Charlotte Flair have signed contract extensions with the WWE that should keep them around for some time. 

“They're [WWE] obviously very happy because they signed both of them. Both of them could have waited until free agency, and at that point, they could have gotten probably a giant offer from AEW and a giant offer from WWE. But obviously, WWE really made it worth their while, which was what I was told is that they are going to they were looking at longtime deals with, greatly increased compensation for the guys because they don't want free agents right now,"

H/T Wrestling News

Three Top Stars Could Become Free Agents

Wrestling News' Andrew Ravens mentioned three main eventers with contracts said to expire in 2024:

There will also be notable stars whose contracts will expire, such as Becky Lynch, World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins, and Drew McIntyre.

It's impossible to say what any of these three Superstars will do. Becky and Seth are both entrenched as top-tier talent and may have no desire to try their luck elsewhere. However, they may want to work somewhere with a lighter schedule if the WWE isn't willing to offer this (and that's only if they're looking for fewer days on the road).

Drew McIntyre's biggest reason for leaving the WWE would likely be his reported dissatisfaction with his booking over the last year. "The Scottish Warrior" is a two-time WWE Champion, but he may have reached his peak in the WWE. AEW would likely offer him a hefty payday but it's unknown if he could break out from AEW's vast roster.

The WWE's Escape Clause

One question that hasn't been answered is whether any of these new deals prevent the WWE from releasing Superstars without cause. Typically, the WWE can sign a wrestler to a three-year deal and release them with just 90 days' notice, regardless of the time left on their contract. At the same time, wrestlers can ask for their release and find themselves stuck to their deal. It's an unfair deal that, so far, wrestlers seem happy to sign.

Is This a Sign the WWE is Still Concerned About AEW?

The WWE's apparent desire to sign Superstars to long-term deals may suggest the company is still concerned with AEW as a competitor. Although AEW is a distant second, the WWE probably doesn't want to lose talent to Tony Khan because it looks bad when a top star goes to the competition, and there's always the chance a top star could jump-start interest in AEW.

With the WWE enjoying tremendous financial success, Superstars with deals about to expire should be in excellent positions to negotiate.

Photo Credit: WWE