Huge free agent unexpectedly joins AEW as a backstage producer

A major free agent in the wrestling world has reportedly been working with AEW in a backstage capacity. A report has just come with all the details on this new possible partnership.

Sami Callihan is known for his work on the independent circuit and for his time with several top promotions, including ROH, MLW, WWE, and TNA, where he spent most of his time. In 2025, he was forced to return from in-ring competition after losing to Mike Santana. He continued to be employed by the Nashville-based promotion as Director of Live Events.

He parted ways with TNA last month, and Cassidy Haynes of Bodyslam.net has reported on his latest whereabouts. He has been reportedly working backstage for the past three weeks for tapings of AEW Dynamite, and is currently around for Collision in Boston. It has been reported that he is still not under contract just yet, but has been lending his services in a backstage producer role.

Sami Callihan recently reacted to a viral AEW segment

Last week on AEW Collision, a video package aired showing the Bang Bang Gang going to Angels of Asisi, a nonprofit animal adoption center & farm sanctuary serving Virginia. The segment went viral as they hit two birds with one stone: spreading awareness and promoting the place, while also taking shots at their current enemies, The Dogs.

All their statements during the advertisement-of-sorts had a double meaning aimed at both David Finlay and Clark Connors. They even named two dogs up for adoption after them. The group made sure to reiterate that, despite all they were saying, the two dogs were actually up for adoption.

Sami Callihan took to X/Twitter and had just a one-word reaction to the video. He called it “Amazing”.

“Amazing,” wrote Callihan.

Given that he has been contributing to the promotion in these past few weeks, he may have caught wind of this segment being aired and promoted it on social media as well. It remains to be seen if he’ll be offered a contract to become an official member of AEW’s backstage crew.