Several AEW roster members are parting ways with the company as their contracts end around the start of the year. According to Fightful Select, Alex Abrahantes, Matt Taven, and Mercedes Martinez have had their contracts terminated and are no longer listed on AEW’s roster, making them free agents.
Among the trio, Abrahantes has recently been the most visible on AEW programming, acting as a manager for several AEW and CMLL luchadores like Hologram, Commander, Mascara Dorada, Místico, and Neon. He joined AEW at its inception in 2019, initially working as a Spanish commentary team member before becoming an on-screen interpreter and hype man for the Lucha Brothers until their WWE transition in early 2025.
Martinez initially appeared in AEW before joining WWE after the Women’s Casino Gauntlet match at AEW All Out 2019. Following her WWE release in 2021, she returned full-time to AEW in January 2022. Her peak came under Tony Khan’s management, who later moved on to Ring of Honor (ROH). Martinez won the ROH Women’s World Championship from Deonna Purrazzo but lost it to Athena at Final Battle 2022. Her AEW and ROH appearances decreased, spending 2025 mainly on the independent circuit. Recently, she announced 2026 will be her final year as an active wrestler.
Taven, formerly a star in ROH and TNA, joined AEW in 2022 alongside Kingdom partners Mike Bennett and Maria Kanellis. Later, Taven and Bennett became part of the Undisputed Kingdom stable with Adam Cole, Wardlow, and Roderick Strong. They secured the ROH Tag Team Championship but faded after the group’s quiet split and reformation into Paragon late last year. It’s unclear if Bennett’s contract ends simultaneously with Taven’s.
Fan Take: This shake-up marks a significant shift within AEW, potentially reshaping the landscape for both women’s and tag team divisions. Fans should watch closely as these departures may open doors for fresh talent while signaling new directions for AEW’s evolving storylines and brand identity.
