Weeks after rampant speculation that included AEW filing for trademarks, they sent out a press release today. The press release states that “All Elite Wrestling today announced the multi-year deal with Lance Archer, a global professional wrestling sensation renown for his brutal, powerhouse moves including the Blackout and EBD claw. Archer, a Texas native and former collegiate quarterback, is also known by his menacing monikers ‘The Murderhawk Monster’ and ‘The American Psychopath.’ Standing at 6’8 and weighing in at 260 pounds, Archer’s dominating stature and natural athletic prowess has defined his 20 year career.”

Lance Hoyt got his start in the early TNA days as “Dallas”, teaming with X-Division sensation Kid Kash, but he eventually to the WWE under the name Vance Archer. He made his debut on WWE’s ECW, feuding with legendary wrestler Tommy Dreamer before moving to SmackDown to team with Curt Hawkins. Following his release, he moved to NJPW where he joined Suzuki-Gun as Lance Archer, before leaving for Pro Wrestling Noah in 2015. He returned to NJPW 2 years later, and since June of 2019 has been a singles star. He won the vacant NJPW US Championship against Juice Robinson at King-Pro Wrestling event, before losing to current number 1 contender to the AEW World Championship Jon Moxley in a Texas deathmatch at this years WrestleKingdom.

In the past year, Archer has broken out as one of the industry’s top stars as a premiere athlete for a guy his size and for his violent demeanor. CEO of AEW Tony Khan said that “Lance is explosive, dynamic and unpredictable making him perfect for AEW. 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.”

Of course, this is their second big coup of a free agent in recent weeks, after last week’s debut of Jeff Cobb. It’ll be interesting to see if Archer makes his debut on tonight’s episode Dynamite in Kansas City or if he makes his presence felt this Saturday at Revolution.

Follow me on Twitter: @TheJameus

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