Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer recently discussed Rusev’s current contractual status with WWE: 

“I think his deal is up relatively soon. I’ve heard nothing confirmed, but the tea leaves tell me — I mean obviously he’s not happy because he’s not there and he asked for a leave of absence, now that may mean that they’re gonna freeze him while he does that.” 

“Him leaving would not surprise me at all. As far as AEW I would think that they would want him. As far as New Japan I would think that they would want him. It’s a question of how much they would go up on price for him. I don’t know what Gedo thinks of him. I would think that they would want him. I mean he’s not going to be a difference maker like Moxley and Jericho were, but he’s a good wrestler and he could do well there.” 

“Honestly, I think in AEW he could do great because people will remember the Rusev Day stuff. I mean they won’t be able to do it because I’m sure they’ve trademarked Rusev Day. I mean they could always work around it and they’re really into that irony stuff so I actually think that if he left with that [AEW] fan base I think that he would do real well.”