After spending over three years with AEW, Taya Valkyrie has decided to pursue new opportunities outside the company. She announced her departure on X (formerly Twitter) at noon on Wednesday, expressing gratitude to AEW and revealing that she turned down a contract extension. Valkyrie made it clear that she holds no ill feelings toward AEW, emphasizing her appreciation for the experience, the relationships built, and the support from fans throughout her tenure and beyond. Now a free agent, she looks forward to exploring fresh prospects as a wrestler, TV personality, and creative talent.
With a career spanning sixteen years, Valkyrie has competed in nearly every major wrestling promotion worldwide, including AAA, CMLL, Lucha Underground, Ring of Honor, TNA, and WWE, where she appeared briefly as Franky Monet. Her most notable achievements include multiple reigns as AAA Reina de Reinas Champion, tying the record with Faby Apache, as well as holding the TNA Knockouts Championship and two Knockouts Tag Team Championships alongside Rosemary and Jessicka Havoc. She made her AEW debut in March 2023 as a challenger to then-TBS Champion Jade Cargill and gained further recognition in ROH, teaming up with her real-life husband Johnny TV in their popular YouTube series “Johnny Loves Taya.” Valkyrie had taken a break during much of 2026 to join the reality TV show “The Traitors: Canada.”
Fan Take: Taya Valkyrie’s exit from AEW is a significant moment for fighting fans, as her departure signals a potential reshuffling of talent in the wrestling world and opens doors for fresh storylines and rivalries. Given her experience and versatility, Valkyrie’s next moves could influence the industry by blending wrestling with broader entertainment and creative ventures.
Source: www.wrestlinginc.com
