Two Former WWE Superstars Spotted Backstage At AEW World's End

Both Baron Corbin and AJ Francis were seen backstage at AEW World's End, with both former WWE Superstars set to hit free agency in the very near future.
AEW World's End
AEW World's End | All Elite Wrestling

There were reportedly a number of soon-to-be free agents backstage Saturday night at AEW World's End.

Many pro wrestlers call the Orlando, Florida area home and some took the opportunity to pay a visit to the Addition Financial Arena. One of the more notable names spotted at the show was Tom Pestock, formerly known as Baron Corbin.

Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful is reporting that the former United States and NXT Tag Team Champion is still not eligible to sign with a new company for at least another month. Pestock was informed by WWE earlier this year that his contract would not be renewed. He was released along with Indi Hartwell and Tegan Nox in what was a small batch of roster cuts.

Also spotted backstage last night at World's End was AJ Francis, formerly known as Top Dolla in WWE. His deal with TNA is set to expire on January 1.

Ross Sapp says that Francis was seen chatting with Tony Khan down at the ringside area prior to the show. He also reportedly had the chance to catch up with his former Hit Row stablemate Swerve Strickland.

MORE: WWE Superstars React To The Departures Of Baron Corbin, Indi Harwell & Tegan Nox

It's unclear if Pestock and Francis were just visiting, or if there is mutual interest between both former WWE Superstars and AEW in working together down the line.

We'll continue to update this story as more information becomes available.

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Rick Ucchino
RICK UCCHINO

Rick Ucchino is the Assistant Editor & Content Coordinator for The Takedown on SI. He also works full-time for 700WLW Radio in Cincinnati, Ohio as a local news and sports anchor, in addition to his time covering the Cincinnati Bengals for Sirius XM. Rick has been on the professional wrestling beat since 2019, having provided coverage for a number of outlets, including Fightful, SB Nation’s Cageside Seats and the Bleav Podcast Network. With an educational background in theater, creative writing and journalism, Rick focuses primarily on the storytelling aspect of pro wrestling, but he’s no stranger to the squared circle himself. He had the privilege of training with former WWE & WCW cruiserweight Jimmy Wang Yang for nearly two years and retired early due to back issues with a perfect 1-0 record in singles competition. Rick is a married father of two incredibly adorable children, who are budding pro wrestling fans themselves. Much to the chagrin of their mother. You can reach Rick at rwucchino@gmail.com