The current AEW Champion engaged in extensive talks with WWE before ultimately signing with AEW, having come close to joining WWE initially. Harley Cameron, who is now the AEW Women’s Tag Team Champion, had only wrestled twice before joining AEW, her second match being against her existing tag team partner, Willow Nightingale, on AEW Dark. She signed with AEW after only 21 matches and has recently shared insights about her discussions with WWE prior to joining AEW.
On the Ariel Helwani Show, Harley expressed gratitude towards WWE for helping her obtain a green card and supporting her wrestling training with the Flatbacks. She noted that WWE was undergoing a transitional phase, which impacted her chances there, and that fate led her to AEW instead. AEW gave her a chance through AEW Dark, eventually offering her a contract. She shared that despite interest in WWE initially, AEW felt like the right place for her career, praising Tony Khan for the opportunities she’s received and feeling proud to represent AEW and hold a championship after such a short time in wrestling.
Harley also clarified that she never trained at WWE’s Performance Center due to work authorization issues, but received excellent coaching with the Flatbacks. Although she went back and forth about her path, she believes AEW has helped her discover her potential as a performer, and she’s thankful for the support from AEW. Harley and Willow Nightingale captured the first-ever AEW Women’s Tag Team Championship at the recent Dynamite Winter Is Coming event.
Fan Take: This news highlights AEW’s willingness to give talented newcomers a significant platform, which could attract more fresh talent seeking opportunities outside WWE. For AEW fans, Harley Cameron’s rapid rise is a promising sign that the company is committed to building future stars and enriching the women’s tag team division, which bodes well for the growth of professional wrestling.
