Wrestlers battle during a tag team battle royal during AEW Dynamite at Footprint Center. Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

AEW must do everything possible to sign Gabe Kidd

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Mar 6, 2025 5:19 PM ET

Gabe Kidd has made some appearances on AEW programming over the past few weeks. The English-born star is a rising star within the wrestling industry, especially after his thrilling match against Kenny Omega at New Japan Pro Wrestling's Wrestle Kingdom 19, and has quickly made an impression among the AEW fanbase.

According to a Wednesday report from Fightful Select, Kidd is currently working on a 'per appearance' deal with AEW. The report also noted how Kidd hasn't yet signed a new contract with NJPW.

"Gabe Kidd is being used on a per appearance basis, but has made a good impression," Fightful Select reported. "That's quite the 180 from how AEW viewed him a few months ago, but as of mid-February, I don't think he'd signed a new NJPW deal."

Kidd has all the qualities of a star-level talent. He's intense and aggressive. His hard-hitting style fits AEW's overall tone and approach. Furthermore, he could rival MJF as the most compelling heel within the company.

EXCLUSIVE: Who will step up to @GabeKidd0115? pic.twitter.com/J7GoKu6Uo4
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) February 23, 2025

Kidd could become a genuine cornerstone of AEW programming. He has something about him that makes him feel like 'must-see TV.'

AEW is still rebuilding it's momentum after a difficult 2024, and while Kidd wouldn't bring a wave of new fans with him, he could certainly play a role in attracting them moving forward.

Sometimes, a company needs to hire on fit rather than on qualifications. AEW already has a plethora of high-flyers, technical wrestlers and mid-card studs. Kidd would give them a genuine wild-card, he would be someone who could generate heat with the fans and drive clicks, comments and reactions on social media.

Kidd might not be at the level of Will Ospreay when he made the jump from NPJW, but he could certainly have a similar impact. Signing him to a full-scale deal should be a no-brainer, especially as AEW is lacking in genuine heels.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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