Another WWE target opts to re-sign with AEW

Daniel Garcia has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks. The AEW star was reportedly coming to the end of his current contract and was drawing interest from WWE as a result. AEW also wanted to retain its upcoming star.

According to a recent report from Ibou of WrestlePurists, AEW has constructed a creative angle for Garcia in the hope that he re-signs with the company.

“AEW is still confident Daniel Garcia will re-sign and have put together creative for him in the event that he does,” Ibou reported on X.

On Tuesday's "Title Tuesday" episode of AEW programming, Garcia addressed the crowd on air, confirming that he is remaining with Tony Khan's company for the foreseeable future.

"I feel like I came to the conclusion that Daniel Garcia can do whatever he wants because Daniel Garcia is one of the best professional wrestlers in the world," Garcia said. "And I feel like, because I am one of the best professional wrestlers in the world, that I stay where the best wrestle, AEW!”

This isn't the first AEW talent WWE has missed out on this year. It was reportedly interested in acquiring Swerve Strickland earlier this summer, only for the former AEW champion to sign a contract extension with the company. However, it will reportedly secure the Luca Brothers once their contracts expire.

WWE also missed out on Will Ospreay, Jay White and Kazuchika Okada during their respective free agencies. All three chose to join AEW over the wrestling juggernaut.

Garcia will likely receive a push from AEW soon. As Khan and the creative department look to make him a star, he could find himself competing for some of the top titles in the company.

Seen as one of the most gifted technical wrestlers in the world, Garcia will have a role to play in the coming months, especially after Bryan Danielson steps away from full-time wrestling and the need for a technical wrestler grows within the company.

Retaining Garcia is good news for AEW. Khan has spent the past few years constructing one of the deepest talent pools in history. Garcia had clawed his way toward the top of the roster. Now, he can continue to rise toward stardom as another homegrown talent . The more stars AEW can make, the better, as that's part of the journey toward becoming a sustainable long-term product.