All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has officially added Ace Austin, a well-known former TNA wrestler and champion, to its roster. Announced during recent tapings of AEW’s Collision, the signing marks a new chapter for the New Jersey-born performer, who has garnered attention across multiple wrestling promotions since his debut in 2015. Fans on social media have shared a spectrum of reactions following the news that Tony Khan signed Ace Austin AEW, highlighting a mix of excitement and speculation.
Ace Austin began his wrestling career nearly a decade ago and has competed in promotions such as Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), Major League Wrestling (MLW), Game Changer Wrestling (GCW), House of Glory, and The Wrestling Revolver. However, he is most recognized for his tenure in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), where since 2019, he secured the TNA World Tag Team Championship with Chris Bey and captured the X-Division Championship three times. Earlier in 2024, Ace Austin parted ways with TNA and has since been active on independent circuits, before making the leap to AEW.
Fan Reactions and Expectations Following Austin’s AEW Debut
Upon the announcement, many wrestling enthusiasts flocked to social media platforms like X (Twitter) to express their thoughts. Some praised the signing, welcoming Austin as a valuable addition to AEW’s expanding locker room and suggesting he become part of the Bang Bang Gang faction. Others voiced concerns about how AEW will feature his talents compared to his previous roles. One fan pointed out that Ace Austin chose AEW over <a href="https://cynicaltimes.org/category/wrestling-news/wwe/”>WWE, despite WWE’s working ties with the TNA promotion, adding an interesting dynamic to his career path.
Despite mixed opinions, the anticipation around Tony Khan’s plans for Austin within AEW remains high, leaving fans curious to see how the company will utilize this versatile grappler‘s skill set going forward.
Upcoming AEW Collision Matches in Cincinnati
The August 16 edition of AEW’s Saturday Night Collision will take place at the Andrew J Brady Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The show will showcase multiple exciting bouts, including two four-way matches that have generated attention. One of these contests will feature Kris Statlander, Penelope Ford, Julia Hart, and Anna Jay competing for a $100,000 prize. The other four-way will decide the challenger for IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Zack Sabre Jr. at the AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2025 event, involving wrestlers Hechicero, Lee Moriarty, Daniel Garcia, and Nigel McGuinness.
Additionally, Collision will present a tag team matchup between JetSpeed and the team of Jon Moxley and Wheeler Yuta from The Death Riders faction, promising a high-energy contest for viewers.
What Ace Austin’s Signing Means for AEW’s Future
The signing of Ace Austin by Tony Khan adds depth and experience to AEW’s roster, bringing in a competitor with a diverse wrestling background and multiple championship accomplishments. As AEW continues to grow and offer fresh storylines and talent, Austin’s arrival signals the promotion’s intent to blend established stars with rising performers. His inclusion may influence faction dynamics and match opportunities, potentially stirring new rivalries and narratives leading into major events.
With Austin now officially part of AEW, fans and critics alike will closely watch how Tony Khan integrates the former TNA standout into AEW’s competitive scene, potentially shaping the promotion’s direction in the months to come.
