The Righteous to WWE? Tracking the Rise, AEW Departure, and Potential Future of vinny & dutch
Are you a wrestling fan buzzing about potential new signings in WWE? The tag team known as The Righteous – Vinny and Dutch – are generating notable speculation regarding a possible jump to the industry giant. This isn’t a new rumor; interest in this unique duo has been simmering for years. This article dives deep into the journey of The Righteous,from their indie beginnings and AEW run to the growing evidence suggesting a WWE arrival is imminent. We’ll explore the internal support within WWE, the hurdles they’ve overcome, and what their potential arrival could mean for the landscape of professional wrestling.
From Indie Darlings to ROH Champions: The Righteous’ Journey
Vinny and Dutch, collectively known as The Righteous, have cultivated a dedicated following through years of compelling performances on the independent circuit. Their dark, mysterious, and often unsettling presentation sets them apart, quickly making them stand out in a crowded wrestling world. Before gaining wider recognition, they honed their craft, building a reputation for intense in-ring work and captivating character portrayals.
Their success truly blossomed in Ring of Honour (ROH). the Righteous became multiple-time ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Champions, solidifying their position as a dominant force in the promotion – both before and after its acquisition by Tony Khan’s AEW. This championship success wasn’t just about winning titles; it was about consistently delivering memorable matches and furthering a compelling storyline that resonated with fans. Their unique blend of power, technical skill, and psychological warfare made them a formidable team.
A WWE Tryout & The McMahon Hiring Freeze: Early Interest & Setbacks
The Righteous’ potential wasn’t a secret to WWE. In December 2022, they participated in an exclusive tryout for independent wrestlers, signaling initial interest from the company. However, their momentum was abruptly halted by a company-wide hiring freeze triggered by Vince McMahon’s return to WWE. This freeze, as reported by various sources including Wrestling Inc., effectively put all potential signings on hold.The subsequent acquisition of WWE by Endeavor further complicated matters, delaying any potential roster additions for several months.
This period highlights the often-unpredictable nature of the wrestling industry. talent can impress, receive positive feedback, and still find their opportunities delayed due to factors entirely outside their control.
The AEW Chapter & recent Release: A Stepping Stone?
Following the stalled WWE opportunity, The Righteous signed with AEW and primarily featured on the ROH brand. While they continued to showcase their talents, their run ultimately concluded with their release earlier in 2024. The reasons for their release haven’t been publicly detailed,but it’s often a strategic move for promotions to reshape their rosters and explore new directions.
Crucially, this release has now opened the door for them to pursue opportunities elsewhere – and WWE appears to be waiting.
Internal WWE Support: Bray Wyatt‘s Vision & Beyond
the most compelling evidence pointing towards a WWE signing lies within the company itself. The Righteous have garnered significant support from key figures within WWE, most notably the late Bray Wyatt.
Wyatt was a vocal advocate for the team, reportedly pitching a storyline involving The Righteous and The Wyatt Family (now The Wyatt Six) before his tragic passing. Karrion Kross (formerly Killer Kross) has publicly echoed Wyatt’s sentiments, describing The Righteous’ act as “demented and brilliant” and stating they were “already a main roster act” in a late 2023 social media post.
This isn’t just casual praise. Wyatt’s creative vision was highly respected within WWE, and his belief in The Righteous carries significant weight. Furthermore, Elijah (formerly Elias) reportedly filmed vignettes with the team for a pitch that, unluckily, never made it to television. This demonstrates a willingness from established WWE talent to collaborate and champion their arrival.
Current Status: Winding Down Independent Dates & Imminent Arrival?
Recent reports from Fightful Select indicate that the Righteous are informing independent promoters that they are finishing up their remaining dates. This is a strong indicator that they are preparing for a significant commitment – and WWE is the most likely