While you never know in the world of professional wrestling, AEW is teasing that Paige VanZant is set to sign with the promotion.
VanZant, a former UFC darling who has been trying her hand at bare-knuckle boxing of late, first appeared on All Elite Wrestling’s flagship shows, Dynamite and Rampage, last year. Her inclusion was part of a storyline involving American Top Team fighters Jorge Masvidal, Junior Dos Santos, Andrei Arlovski, and others, who alongside ATT owner Dan Lambert aligned with the “Men of the Year” Scorpio Sky and Ethan Page.
While only Dos Santos actually got involved in a match, VanZant, along with husband Austin Vanderford, played their role on the show well enough — enough so that “12 Gauge” has apparently been asked to return.
Wrestling being what it is, real-life AEW owner Tony Khan played it safe when it came to a potential VanZant signing announcement.
“Knowing Dan Lambert I don’t trust him as far as I can throw him, so you won’t see a @paigevanzant is All Elite graphic or any confirmation of an agreement until something is signed, because I won’t rely on a Dan Lambert promise,” Khan posted on social media.
That having been said, Khan and AEW are also promoting a VanZant “contract signing” at this coming Wednesday’s episode of Dynamte.
I had offered a 7th spot in the Face of the Revolution match to 2021 winner @ScorpioSky but instead I just bartered with Dan Lambert: Scorpio Sky will challenge the winner of tonight’s 3 way #AEWRampage TNT Title match this Wednesday @ Dynamite + @paigevanzant will sign with @AEW https://t.co/uCOf6HWFPZ
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) March 5, 2022
VanZant (8-5 MMA, 0-2 BKB) last competed in a losing effort at BKFC 19 last July. The former Dancing with the Stars standout, who also won on a celebrity edition of Food Network’s Chopped, continues to push her OnlyFans-esque website, paigefanzant.com, in addition to her combat sports career.
24 hours left!!!! My fan site is HALF PRICE NOW!!!! Anyone who subscribes is entered to win a free YEAR LONG MEMBERSHIP, and you get to come on set with me for a content shoot!! Must subscribe in the next 24 hours!!! https://t.co/lj20KVkrZz. ♥️ GOOD LUCK. pic.twitter.com/jLwEHktVmW
— Paige VanZant (@paigevanzant) March 1, 2022
Whether this will be a long-term career shift for VanZant, similar to Ronda Rousey, or another short-term set of appearances remains to be seen. Rumors of a third fight in the BKFC ring have circled of late, though nothing concrete has been announced.
