WWE is reportedly not making an aggressive push to sign talent away from CMLL at this stage, although one notable wrestler remains firmly on the company's radar.
Dave Meltzer provided an update on the situation in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, addressing speculation that WWE could look toward CMLL for additional talent as it continues to strengthen AAA programming.
According to Meltzer, there have not been any significant attempts to recruit CMLL wrestlers beyond the signing of La Catalina. WWE's current approach is believed to be focused on using a combination of its existing roster and AAA's established stars rather than introducing a large number of new names.
However, Persephone appears to be an exception, with Meltzer reporting that she is expected to receive an offer from WWE once she is legally permitted to negotiate.
Meltzer wrote:
“Regarding raiding talent from CMLL, there has not been any hardcore moves in that direction past signing La Catalina. The belief right now is that they are filling AAA television with both WWE talent and some of the major name stars of AAA, and really aren’t looking for people new, although Persephone is expected to get an offer when she is legally able. If they get an American television deal and more sponsors and the budget increases to where they need more Mexican stars, that obviously could change.”
That could make WWE's approach dependent on how AAA develops commercially. An American television agreement, increased sponsorship revenue or a larger budget could potentially open the door for WWE to pursue more Mexican talent in the future.
Persephone's AEW and CMLL situation
Persephone's contractual status makes the situation particularly interesting. It was announced in January that she had entered into a dual-contract arrangement with CMLL and AEW.
Despite her AEW agreement, previous reporting indicated that Persephone had not rejected WWE in favour of Tony Khan's promotion.
Bryan Alvarez previously clarified that Persephone was already contracted to CMLL and therefore was not in a position to negotiate with WWE when her AEW deal was agreed.
Alvarez explained:
“I am told Persephone did not pick AEW over WWE because she never actually got a WWE offer. She has been under CMLL contract and hasn’t been able to talk with WWE at all. Like a lot of others she took the opportunity to add the AEW contract to the CMLL one.”
For now, WWE does not appear to be embarking on a widespread recruitment drive targeting CMLL. Persephone, however, could become a name to watch once her contractual circumstances allow discussions to take place.
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