WWE legend's nephew linked to AEW deal - Reports

AEW has been more active than ever in free agency throughout 2024, and another young star may have just signed with the promotion. Rumors are circulating about the status of Tommy Billington, the nephew of wrestling legend Tom Billington, aka Dynamite Kid.

Billington, 23, also goes by the nickname, 'Dynamite Kid'. He was trained by Davey Boy Smith, Jr., and has been building up his experience on the independent scene since 2018. The young star made his AEW debut back in May and has impressed fans in his matches against Dax Harwood and Konosuke Takeshita on Collision.

Rumors circulated that Tony Khan might have his eyes on the new Dynamite Kid, whose family is associated with the Hart wrestling dynasty. According to a new report from Fightful Select, the 23-year-old may have already signed a deal.

Fightful reports that talent close to Billington have claimed he is already signed with the Jacksonville-based promotion, although AEW has not announced this and it could not be confirmed. The report notes that WWE was also interested in the young star, according to those same sources.

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Dutch Mantell believes Dynamite Kid is "too skinny" after seeing his AEW debut

'Dynamite Kid' Tommy Billington made his All Elite debut on the May 11 episode of Collision in Vancouver. He ended up losing his first match against Dax Harwood, but many were impressed with his in-ring prowess.

However, industry veteran, Dutch Mantell believes that Billington needed to gain some weight. Speaking on Story Time with Dutch Mantell, the 74-year-old claimed that someone needed to give the Dynamite Kid a hot dog and a Coke, among other things, and that he did not look the part.

"OK, the guy's related to [The Dynamite Kid], we got it. That's where the story kind of stops, and he kind of looks like [...] you know those UNESCO commercials they used to air about those starving kids in Africa? That's what he looked like. Somebody needed to give him a hot dog and a Coke, give him something [...] some beans, give him some potatoes. He didn't look like [...] he didn't fit the part. He's too skinny," Dutch Mantell said.

Tommy Billington is still in his early 20s and has a distinguished pedigree. It's unclear what Tony Khan has planned for the young star, but if he has indeed signed with the Jacksonville-based promotion, fans could see him back on television soon.