AEW has a loaded roster, but only so much time each week to feature their stars. Even though some stars may be absent, doesn’t mean that fans aren’t wondering what is going on with them in the company.
Questions around Private Party and their future came up again this week after Sean Ross Sapp addressed the situation during the most recent Fightful Select Q&A Show audio update. With the team absent from AEW television for over a year, fans continue to look for clarity on whether a return is coming or if a move elsewhere could be in play. They seem to be in limbo at this point.
The topic came up when a fan asked about the status of Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy, pointing out their long absence from TV and the lack of visible movement regarding their contracts. Sapp explained that much of the confusion appears to stem from expectations that their deals would have expired by now.
“So I’m not trying to take a shot at anybody here, but like, if I were to report that somebody’s contract was coming up soon, I would think it would be within six months. Now maybe they were extended or injury time was added since then or something like that. But everybody seemed to think that their deals were going to be up well by now.”
It was then noted that the situation may be more complicated than originally believed, saying he was told the two contracts are not actually lined up the same way. That mismatch could explain why rumors about their availability have lingered without resolution.
“But then I was told their contracts don’t actually match up—like they’re up at different times. There was interest from WWE. I don’t know if—I mean, I can only assume that that interest is maintained. Like, I think they would be great to immediately put on NXT.”
The report then went a step further and pushed back on the idea that Private Party would be “too established” for NXT. He argued that their skill set, experience, and presentation make them a strong fit for the brand and even suggested who might enjoy working with them the most.
“And I know a lot of people will say, well, they don’t need to be there. Well, they’re perfect for NXT. Hate to tell you guys. Shawn Michaels would have a ball booking them, because they can wrestle, they’ve got built-in characters already, they’ve got TV experience—that’s what NXT wants.”
As for AEW, it was added that Mark Quen had been backstage at an AEW event a few months ago, but there has been little movement since then. That lines up with previous reporting that confirmed both men are still signed to All Elite Wrestling, despite having no creative plans in place.
“But Mark Quen was backstage at an AEW event like a couple months ago, but I haven’t heard much since then.”
For now, Private Party remains in limbo as a team. They are seemingly caught between contract uncertainty and outside interest.
Whether AEW brings them back into the fold or WWE makes a move once their situations clear, their long absence has turned into one of the more talked-about unresolved stories heading into 2026.
What’s your take on Private Party’s situation? Do you miss seeing them on AEW television? Let us know what you think in the comments section!