Lance Archer signs multi-year deal with AEW

Former IWGP United States and Tag Team Champion Lance Archer has officially signed with All Elite Wrestling.

AEW issued a press release today announcing that Archer has signed a multi-year deal with the promotion. They also announced Archer’s signing via Twitter: “Welcome to the team. #LanceArcher is #AllElite”

“I’ve been in the business for almost half of my life, but with AEW, I’m setting my sights on the best chapter of my career so far,” Archer said in the press release. “This company champions the creative, competitive and electrifying environment that I’ve been waiting for my whole career. No matter where I go — no matter who steps in front of me — I’m the one you should be afraid of at AEW.” 

“Lance Archer is explosive, dynamic and unpredictable, making him perfect for AEW,” AEW president and CEO Tony Khan said. “He’s made his mark in every corner of the world. He’s brutal, colorful and will be a factor the minute he steps into the ring.”

Sports Illustrated first reported last month that Archer was in “high-level talks” with AEW. 

Archer wasn’t among the wrestlers NJPW announced for this year’s New Japan Cup tournament. He lost the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship to Jon Moxley at Wrestle Kingdom 14 night one and was also in action at New Year Dash and all five nights of NJPW’s New Beginning USA tour.

Archer applied to trademark the name Lance Archer in January.