Fans tuning into All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in January noticed a familiar sound accompanying the debut of The Rascalz – Dezmond Xavier, Zachary Wentz, and Myron Reed. The trio walked to the ring to the same entrance theme they’d used during their time in TNA Wrestling, sparking questions about whether AEW President Tony Khan had specifically licensed the music for their arrival. The answer, it turns out, is a bit more nuanced, highlighting the common practices within the professional wrestling industry regarding music rights and licensing. Understanding how The Rascalz were able to retain their signature entrance music offers a glimpse into the logistical side of talent transitions between promotions.
The speculation surrounding the music rights quickly gained traction online, with many wondering if Khan had gone the extra mile to secure the track. However, a report from Fightful Select clarified that AEW did not purchase the theme directly from TNA. Instead, the track is readily available as part of a licensed music library to which AEW already has access. This means that because AEW had pre-existing rights to use music from that particular provider, there was no need for additional negotiations or costs to allow The Rascalz to continue using their established theme. This practice of utilizing licensed music libraries is common across professional wrestling, allowing performers to maintain a recognizable presentation when moving between companies that share similar licensing agreements.
The Rascalz Make an Immediate Impact in AEW
Since their debut, The Rascalz have quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in AEW’s tag team division. Despite falling short in a three-way number one contenders match earlier this year, the group rebounded with a significant victory on a recent episode of AEW Collision. They defeated the highly respected team of FTR – Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler – in a match that saw a pivotal assist from The Young Bucks. This win has positioned The Rascalz firmly in contention for an AEW World Tag Team Championship opportunity.
However, the path to a title shot isn’t entirely clear. The current AEW World Tag Team Championship picture is complicated by the ongoing rivalry between FTR and The Young Bucks, with a match scheduled to take place at AEW Revolution. The outcome of that contest will ultimately determine the next challengers for the championship, leaving The Rascalz awaiting their opportunity.
A Brief Stint for Trey Miguel
Interestingly, the initial plan for The Rascalz’s arrival in AEW included a fourth member: Trey Miguel. Miguel signed with AEW alongside Wentz, Xavier, and Reed when the group departed TNA prior to its move to AMC. However, his time with the promotion was short-lived. He was released shortly after signing, before ever appearing on television.
Reports indicate that the decision to release Miguel stemmed from concerns raised by leadership within Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of AEW, rather than from AEW management itself. These concerns reportedly centered around past social media posts made by Miguel. The situation highlights the increasing scrutiny placed on talent’s public profiles and the potential for past online activity to impact their professional opportunities.
Following his release, Miguel briefly stepped away from professional wrestling before returning to TNA. He quickly regained momentum as a singles competitor, culminating in a significant victory on February 13, 2026, at the No Surrender event in Nashville, Tennessee. Miguel defeated Channing Stacks Lorenzo to win the TNA International Championship, demonstrating his continued success outside of AEW.
Navigating Music Rights in Professional Wrestling
The situation with The Rascalz’s entrance theme underscores the complexities of music licensing in professional wrestling. While securing exclusive music rights can be a significant expense, utilizing pre-existing licenses through music libraries offers a cost-effective solution for promotions. This allows talent to maintain their established branding and connect with fans who recognize their signature themes, even when transitioning between companies. The use of these libraries is a common practice, streamlining the process and reducing potential legal hurdles.
As The Rascalz continue to make their mark in AEW, their success will be closely tied to the outcome of the FTR versus The Young Bucks rivalry. The resolution of that conflict will determine when they get their shot at the AEW World Tag Team Championship, and whether they can capitalize on their momentum to become champions. For now, they remain poised as leading contenders, ready to seize their opportunity when it arrives.
AEW fans can expect further developments in the tag team division as the road to AEW Revolution unfolds. Stay tuned for official updates on the FTR/Young Bucks match and the evolving landscape of the AEW World Tag Team Championship scene.
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