Shawn Dean isn’t thinking about leaving AEW for WWE right now, as he’s more than happy building his career in Tony Khan’s company.
While speaking to Kings of the Ring and Digital Bricks Network, Dean was asked if he could ever see himself entertaining the idea of going to WWE. Dean said that, at least for now, the answer is no because he has built something meaningful for himself in AEW.
“Uh, man, I think like at the moment I don’t, you know what I’m saying? And that’s just because at AEW, I have carved out a lane for myself. I’ve put myself in a position to where I’m respected by my peers. I’m making a difference and I’m part of something that’s growing, something that’s going to be around for a long time.”
Dean explained that even if WWE became an option years down the line, he doesn’t plan on wrestling for another 10 or 15 years. Instead, he is already focused on shaping the next generation and helping others find opportunities.
“So for me, even if that time was to come in 10, 15 years, in 10, 15 years I don’t plan on wrestling that long. So I want to be able, I’m already in a position now where I’m changing the future and establishing the next crop of people. So for me at the moment right now, man, AEW is where my heart is at.”
Dean also credited AEW for taking a chance on him and giving talent exposure that helped them land opportunities in WWE, TNA, MLW, overseas promotions, and elsewhere.
“AEW is where, you know, that took a chance on me and put me in a position to be able to get people to go to other places if it’s not AEW. They’re going to WWE, they’re going to TNA, they’re in MLW, they’re going overseas. A lot of them have got these opportunities based off of something that they did on AEW Dark, something that they probably would have never got a chance to do on the other side.”
Dean then said AEW changed wrestling by opening the door for more talent and creating another major platform in the industry.
“AEW has opened the door for so many people to get exposure that it’s really crazy how it changed the game for wrestling in general. You went from one entity running the whole thing to now you got another one that’s producing just as much talent, if not better talent, on this side.”
For Dean, the bigger goal is being part of something that keeps growing and changing. He said his place in wrestling history comes from helping build that future, not chasing fame.
“I want to be on a side where we’re continuing to change and grow and knowing that I got a part in that. That’s my place in history. I choose legacy over fame any day.”
Dean didn’t completely shut the door on what could happen years from now, but his comments make it clear that WWE isn’t something he’s actively chasing. Right now, he sees himself as part of AEW’s foundation, helping create opportunities for others while building a legacy that extends beyond his own career.
What do you think about Shawn Dean’s comments on AEW and WWE? Share your thoughts in the comments below.