World Wrestling Entertainment has expressed interest in signing a young performer currently employed by All Elite Wrestling. Despite currently holding a championship in AEW, there are reports suggesting that HOOK may be tempted to accept WWE's offer.
All Elite Wrestling was established in 2019 as a formidable competitor to WWE, which had long dominated the professional wrestling industry after absorbing World Championship Wrestling and Extreme Championship Wrestling in the early 2000s. With an extensive collection of assets and video libraries, as well as a roster featuring top talents from around the world (excluding a few Japanese and Latin American performers), WWE held a virtual monopoly. However, AEW has rapidly gained significant traction in both the US and international markets. This success can be attributed, in part, to their ability to attract renowned names from WWE, such as retired fan favorites like Paul Wight and active superstars like Chris Jericho, who recently faced a TikTok ban.
Reports indicate that the WWE is attempting to recruit HOOK, a current talent of AEW who garnered a highly positive response upon his debut in late 2020. Despite AEW's roster featuring renowned stars like CM Punk, who recently found himself in a controversial real-life altercation involving Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks, HOOK managed to make a lasting impression on AEW fans. Notably, HOOK currently holds the FTW Championship, a title originally created by his father in ECW, which remains unofficially sanctioned. Additionally, HOOK has ventured into the tag team scene, partnering with Jungle Boy for tag team matches in AEW.
If HOOK were to sign with the WWE, it would likely generate significant excitement, similar to when AEW's co-founder Cody Rhodes returned to the company where he made a name for himself. Many view HOOK as a product of AEW, considering that his training and mentorship have been closely tied to individuals affiliated with the company. This includes his legendary father, Taz, who currently serves as a color commentator and the leader of the Team Taz faction in AEW. However, there are sources suggesting that Taz might be open to the idea of HOOK working for the WWE, as he did in the early 2000s. It is possible that Taz envisions a different career trajectory for his son, who is expected to remain involved in the tag team scene in AEW for the foreseeable future.
Insiders have disclosed that WWE COO Paul 'Triple H' Levesque and Senior VP of Talent Development Creative Shawn Michaels are highly impressed with HOOK, indicating that WWE might pursue the young star when his AEW contract is up for evaluation. Although signing with WWE would undoubtedly bring financial gains and enhance HOOK's reputation, it is worth noting that the company has a tendency to attract controversy. Notably, WWE faced a lawsuit from a former writer. Only time will tell whether HOOK decides to switch sides or stay with the relatively safer AEW.
