The fairy tale championship run that wrestling fans waited five years to witness may have come to an abrupt end—and not just because Private Party lost their titles. Fresh reports suggest that Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy’s time in All Elite Wrestling could be drawing to a close, with their contracts reportedly set to expire imminently.
From Championship Glory to Radio Silence
Private Party’s journey to tag team gold was nothing short of epic. After half a decade of near-misses and heartbreak, Quen and Kassidy finally dethroned The Young Bucks at AEW Dynamite’s Fright Night special on October 30, 2024. The victory sent shockwaves through the wrestling world and provided one of the most emotionally satisfying moments in recent AEW history.
However, their championship reign proved surprisingly brief. The duo managed only two successful title defenses before The Hurt Syndicate’s powerhouse combination of Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin ended their reign on January 22, 2025.
What’s more concerning for Private Party supporters is the complete absence of both wrestlers from AEW programming since that title loss. Neither Quen nor Kassidy has appeared on Dynamite, Rampage, or Collision in the months following their championship defeat.
Contract Expiration Looms Large
According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter’s Dave Meltzer, the reason for Private Party’s television absence may soon become clear. In his latest report, Meltzer delivered a bombshell revelation about the tag team’s contractual status:
“Private Party’s deals are up very soon.”
This news adds significant context to their sudden disappearance from AEW programming. Contract negotiations can be delicate affairs, and many wrestlers step away from television during these crucial discussions.
AEW Originals Since Day One
The potential departure of Private Party would mark the end of an era for AEW. Quen and Kassidy have been cornerstones of the promotion since its earliest days, competing in landmark events that helped establish AEW’s identity.
Their resume includes appearances at the inaugural Fyter Fest and All Out pay-per-views, plus featuring on the very first episode of AEW Dark. They also competed on the second-ever episode of Wednesday Night Dynamite, cementing their status as true company originals.
This deep history with AEW makes their current contract situation even more significant. Losing wrestlers who helped build the foundation of your tag team division represents a major decision point for any promotion.
Independent Wrestling Keeps Them Active
While Private Party remains absent from AEW television, they haven’t been completely inactive in the wrestling world. The duo appeared for independent promotion House of Glory at their “City of Dreams” event on March 15, proving they’re still competing and staying ring-ready.
This independent booking could signal their preparation for life after AEW, or simply represent a way to stay active during contract negotiations. Independent appearances often serve as a testing ground for wrestlers considering their next career moves.
What’s Next for the Former Champions?
Private Party’s situation presents fascinating questions about loyalty, timing, and opportunity in modern professional wrestling. After finally achieving their championship dreams, will they choose to rebuild elsewhere or recommit to the company that gave them their biggest platform?
Their championship victory proved that patience and persistence can pay off in wrestling, but their brief reign and subsequent absence raise questions about how AEW views their long-term value. With contract negotiations apparently ongoing, will Private Party’s AEW story end with a whimper rather than the bang their championship win deserved?
