Darby Allin is one of AEW’s top stars, and the fact he isn’t a former WWE talent is seen as a massive plus by many fans. However, before signing with AEW, he was part of Evolve, a promotion with a working relationship with WWE at the time, and it seemed just a matter of time before he was wrestling on 205 Live. Allin, though, has now stated while talking to DDP on his podcast that he never wanted to be “put in a box” by WWE. Revealing he actually took out a $12,000 loan to buy his way out of his contract so he could sign with AEW after being scouted by Cody Rhodes.
At the time, I was signed with another little promotion. The moment I heard Cody was interested, long story short, I paid $12,000 to get out of my contract. I took a loan out.
Darby AllinWhile seen as a risk with AEW not even having a signed television deal when Allin made the decision, it has ultimately paid off big time. And while there is a concern for Allin’s long-term future due to his reckless style, often likened to Jeff Hardy, it has allowed him to get over and build a following he almost certainly never would have gained being with WWE. Hopefully, though, with him now being an established star, he will look to reduce the risks he takes, as regardless of booking or how he is pushed, he is one of the most marketable talents the promotion has.
