MVP recently acknowledged that the ultimate decision to sign a former WWE Champion to All Elite Wrestling rests with Tony Khan, the AEW executive. This comes amid ongoing rumors that Cedric Alexander, a five-time WWE titleholder, might be headed to AEW. Cedric, who spent several years with WWE’s Stamford-based promotion, has been a notable figure in professional wrestling since 2016.
During his WWE career, Cedric Alexander earned multiple accolades, including three reigns as 24/7 Champion and stints as Cruiserweight and Tag Team Champion. Now 36 years old, he was released earlier this year which sparked immediate speculation about where his career might continue next. Fans and wrestling insiders alike have debated the possibility of Alexander joining AEW, especially since he was part of the Hurt Business faction in WWE and the related Hurt Syndicate in AEW has shown interest.
Cedric is currently signed with TNA, but the chances of him moving to AEW remain a hot topic. MVP addressed these rumors during an interview with Jim Varsallone, clarifying that hiring decisions about Cedric are beyond the Hurt Syndicate’s purview and ultimately handled by Tony Khan.
“We would absolutely love to have Cedric, but we don’t do the hiring, and that’s a Tony Khan question.” Jim Varsallone
MVP Returns to the AEW Ring, Emphasizes His Active Role
MVP, who also has a storied WWE past, marked his AEW in-ring return at the All Out 2025 event, teaming up with Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin for the first time since his last match earlier this year. In an interview with TMZ Sports, MVP reflected on his performance and what it means to him professionally.
“I felt great. You know, more than anything, I enjoy reminding people that MVP is not ‘just a manager’. I’m not a manager like any manager you’ve seen in a very, very long time. I’m not your undersized pipsqueak chicken s*** manager because I’m a 250 pound, over 6 feet tall, multi-time champion, Brazilian Black Belt World Champion. I don’t run away because I can fight and I’m in the business of hurting people for money and I never retired.”
This statement reinforced MVP’s determination to maintain his presence as an active competitor, not solely a managerial figure. AEW fans remain eager to see whether MVP will continue wrestling in upcoming events or primarily serve other roles within the company.
What Could Cedric Alexander’s AEW Signing Mean for the Wrestling Scene?
The possibility of Cedric Alexander joining AEW reflects ongoing shifts in professional wrestling talent dynamics. His connection to the Hurt Business faction and longstanding relationship with MVP add a layer of intrigue should AEW decide to bring him aboard. Tony Khan’s involvement as the final decision-maker emphasizes AEW’s careful approach to talent acquisition, matching wrestler skills and audience appeal with company goals.
For AEW, signing a five-time WWE Champion like Cedric would bolster the roster’s depth and generate excitement among fans familiar with his achievements. It could also signify greater cross-promotion movement, especially since Cedric currently wrestles for TNA. Keeping key wrestlers within AEW’s orbit is crucial as the company continues to compete with WWE for market share and viewership.
As MVP has stated, while the Hurt Syndicate is eager to include Cedric, it ultimately comes down to Tony Khan making the call. Wrestling enthusiasts will thus be watching Khan’s future moves closely, anticipating announcements that could reshape AEW’s lineup in the near term.
MVP’s recent in-ring return also highlights the company’s strategy of blending veteran experience with younger talent, enhancing AEW’s product quality and variety. Meanwhile, fans and pundits will continue to debate potential signings, with Cedric Alexander’s name remaining one that captures significant attention.
