Concern about Daniel Garcia backstage; update on AEW future - Reports

The future of AEW star Daniel Garcia has been a hot topic of discussion for a few months now. Amid rumors of Garcia's talks with Tony Khan, there is also talk of a possible jump to WWE. Sources are now offering more insight into the backstage situation after Garcia did not work this week's Grand Slam events.

The Red Death has been signed to All Elite Wrestling since October 2020. After a month-plus hiatus, Garcia returned at All In 2024 to attack MJF. The 26-year-old then lost to MJF but got post-match revenge and has not been seen since. Tony Khan reportedly offered a new deal to Garcia before All Out, and they were hopeful he would re-sign before the pay-per-view.

Garcia's situation is playing out amid heavy interest from Triple H and other WWE officials. The current PWG World Champion reportedly still has not re-signed to AEW. Now, a new report from the Wrestling Observer notes how the Garcia ordeal created uncertainty backstage.

Several people within AEW were under the impression Garcia would re-sign or at least agree to terms with officials. However, when he did not sign the extension before All Out and then lost to MJF, this caused significant doubt backstage.

Officials went back and forth on the All Out finish, and a victory was considered for Garcia, but his contract status prevented that. AEW has not brought the former ROH Pure Champion back to TV due to the fact that he has not re-signed.

Khan can be hesitant to book wrestlers on TV if there's a good chance they are leaving when their deals expire, as we've seen in the past. While people in AEW were once very confident Garcia would re-sign, many are now less confident that he will stick around, which could be a sign he is planning to join WWE.

AEW Dynamite 5th Anniversary update

All Elite Wrestling will return to the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, PA, for the Dynamite 5th Anniversary show next week. The 165th edition of Rampage will also be taped.

Two matches have been confirmed for next week's Dynamite special, but more are expected to be finalized on Collision this weekend. Below is the current lineup:

• Britt Baker returns home to wrestle Serena Deeb
• International Champion Will Ospreay defends against Ricochet

The company will then be at the Spokane Arena in Spokane, WA, on October 8. This will be the Title Tuesday edition of Dynamite, plus the go-home show for WrestleDream.