AEW Releases: Miro, Malakai Black, and Ricky Starks Now Free Agents with No Non-Compete Clauses

One Big Thing

Three major AEW stars – Miro, Malakai Black, and Ricky Starks – have left the company with no non-compete clauses, making them immediately available to sign with other promotions, including WWE.

Key Details

• All three wrestlers were removed from AEW’s roster page on Monday
• None face the typical 90-day non-compete restrictions common in WWE contracts
• Each departure stems from different circumstances over recent months

By The Numbers

• Malakai Black’s contract could have extended to 2027
• Miro’s contract extension from 2022 was set to run until 2026
• Miro appeared in only a handful of matches in 2023

Individual Situations

Malakai Black

• Finished with AEW in January 2024
• His departure led to the House of Black rebranding as the Hounds of Hell
• Exit came before the 2024 Royal Rumble

Miro

• Requested release in September 2023
• Had not wrestled since 2023 despite being healthy
• Not discussed in creative meetings for about six months

Ricky Starks

• Asked AEW not to extend his contract in late 2023
• Requested release in January 2024
• Won the DEFY World Championship from KENTA before departure

Why It Matters

These releases add three high-profile free agents to the wrestling market, potentially strengthening WWE’s roster or other promotions. Their immediate availability without non-compete clauses creates opportunities for quick debuts elsewhere.

The Big Question

Which promotion do you think will sign these talented free agents first, and how might they impact their new home? Share your thoughts in the comments below.