Paige VanZant was on hand for Wednesday night’s episode of AEW Dynamite — and “PVZ” is now officially All Elite.
After dropping Brazilian wrestler Tay Conti with a kick, VanZant signed her AEW contract in the ring, as part of an ongoing storyline that has seen her appear with American Top Team members on AEW programming.
While VanZant has turned up on AEW television on several occasions since 2021, often alongside ATT owner Dan Lambert, it appears she’s now locked in to work a longer program for the pro wrestling outfit.
VanZant’s in-ring contract signing was obviously for show, but AEW President Tony Khan announced the signing on social media after the show had concluded.
It’s official! @paigevanzant is ALL ELITE!#AEWDynamite on @TBSNetwork pic.twitter.com/H6nzlCkBSg
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) March 10, 2022
It’s likely Conti will be VanZant’s first opponent in her AEW run. Conti is partnered with Sammy Guevara (in real life as well as on screen, currently), who on Wednesday lost his TNT title to Scorpio Sky — who happens to be aligned with ATT.
Pro wrestling is just the latest endeavour from the multi-talented VanZant, who over the years has fought for the UFC, Bare Knuckle FC, appeared on Dancing with the Stars, and even won an episode of Chopped.
VanZant (8-5) parted ways with the UFC after posting 5-4 record for the company, and made her BKFC debut last year. She would go 0-2 in bare knuckle, however, and looks set to follow Ronda Rousey’s footsteps and make the jump to professional wrestling.
Earlier this year, BKFC President David Feldman suggested a third fight for the 27-year old VanZant was in the works with his promotion. Her AEW deal may not prevent that: Jake Hager, who also performs for AEW, has pulled double duty as a member of Bellator MMA’s heavyweight division.
