According to Fightful Select, Adam Cole’s AEW debut at Sunday night’s All Out PPV did not come as a major surprise to many within WWE. It was also said that much of the company expected him to sign with AEW as of last weekend.
It is being said WWE operated on the assumption Cole was gone by the time officials sent an internal memo within the company back on August 30. It was stated that those within WWE had nothing but positive things to say about Cole on his way out, especially over the way he (Cole) handled the surprise contract expiration and the short contract extension.
Fightful Select also noted that Cole was hidden at the NOW Arena on Sunday night, and he told no one within WWE that he would be debuting at All Out.
The report further noted that Cole’s deal with AEW was not “official” until Sunday, but those who needed to know were informed well ahead of time. Furthermore it was said that the finish of Sunday night’s All Out was discussed among the talent involved late in the evening, after the CM Punk’s vs. Darby Allin match.