WWE Star Signs New Deal; Why He Rejected AEW

Dragon Lee signed a new WWE deal last week, and a new report reveals why the superstar rejected going to AEW.

The second-generation superstar signed with the sports entertainment giant back in December 2022, but was forced to wait to make his debut due to visa issues. Dragon Lee stepped into a WWE ring for the first time at an NXT live event in March, before wrestling at Stand & Deliver on April 1st.

The former AAA superstar ended up in a feud with Dominik Mysterio for the North American Title which led to a match on Raw between the pair. It was later reported by Dave Meltzer that Dragon Lee had impressed so much during the match that he was being moved to the main roster permanently.

Why Did Dragon Lee Sign With WWE Instead Of AEW?

Writing in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Meltzer reports that Dragon Lee signed a new main roster contract last week. The report also reveals why he rejected a previous offer to go to All Elite Wrestling.

“Dragon Lee signed his new main roster deal last week. Basically it made it worth it to him of having signed the NXT deal rather than the offered AEW deal. As noted, he went to people who knew the U.S. scene who told him he’d be lost in the shuffle in AEW. Previously people would have said not to go to WWE given their track record with all the wrestlers who came from Mexico besides Alberto Del Rio.”

On the October 6th episode of SmackDown, Dragon Lee had his first match as part of the blue brand when he defeated Austin Theory. Grayson Waller tried to interfere on behalf of tag team partner Austin Theory, but Cameron Grimes made the assist for Dragon Lee to even the odds, helping ensure his victory.