New talent contracts finalized - Developmental talent finished already?

While Beth Phoenix’s departure from WWE may now simply be a rumor (news sites are now reporting stories completely contradicting her leaving WWE, saying that she is in fact staying), all is not lost for the WWE Divas division either way. A while back, I reported that “The Queen of Wrestling” Sara Del Rey was close to signing a deal with WWE, and was simply waiting on results of the standard medical tests all new signees and potential signees must go through before becoming part of the WWE roster. Well, earlier today, WrestlingNewsSource.com and several other wrestling news outlets have reported that “Death Rey” has officially signed her contract.

Del Rey is reporting to NXT in Florida very shortly, and it sounds like the trip to WWE’s developmental territory may be a formality than anything. Since the rumors of her signing started several months ago, it has been said that she would likely be promoted to the main roster right away, as she is considered by many to be the top all-around female performer in the country. This would not be surprising, as several of her fellow independent wrestlers and ROH alumnus such as Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan) and Claudio Castagnoli (Antonio Cesaro) were sent to Florida after signing, but spent only a very small amount of time there in the process.

Regardless of whether the rumors of Beth Phoenix leaving are true or not, WWE has had a pretty shallow Divas division for a while, and adding Del Rey to the roste would immediately add depth.

Speaking of new additions to the roster, another one who was waiting on test results to come back has just been cleared, and it has been confirmed that British independent wrestler PAC has finally signed his contract, and will also be reporting to NXT. For those that are unfamiliar with the man, PAC is a British-born high flyer who first started creating waves in his native homeland, and has also made quite the name for himself on the independent circuit in the U.S., working more major independent promotions such as Ring of Honor, Pro Wrestling Guerilla, and CHIKARA. Known as “The Man That Gravity Forgot”, PAC is one of the hottest high flyers in wrestling, creating some of the most spectacular top rope moves ever seen. Much like Del Rey, he is not expected to stay in NXT very long, and current plans involve him being mixed into feuds with fellow flyers like Rey Mysterio and Sin Cara.

Finally, it appears that WWE developmental wrestler Matt Taven may have already been released from his contract, despite a very short time with the company. Although this has not been confirmed, there are signs that this may indeed be the case. Taven had already reported to NXT earlier this month to begin his developmental deal, but has already begun competing for independent promotions once again. Unless contractually obligated, once a WWE developmental wrestler begins in Florida, they no longer appear for other promotions since they are considered official WWE talent.

Take Taven’s release as a rumor for now until further details can be confirmed.