After a breakout year for Lance Archer in 2019 with New Japan Pro Wrestling, he is looking to return home to the United States as part of All Elite Wrestling. It has been reported by multiple sources close to AEW that Lance Archer is close to cutting a deal with them. In New Japan, he was on a tour to tour schedule, with no real commitment to the company. He was IWGP United States Champion going into Wrestle Kingdom 14, a belt he would lose to Jon Moxley in a Texas Death Match.
What Will Lance Archer Offer To AEW?
The main asset Lance Archer has that AEW lacks is size. At 6’8, he would tower over even the biggest men in AEW. He is also freakishly athletic for a man his size, and has a good deal of charisma. He has an eye catching look, the skills to be a serious contender, and would just be an all around great get for AEW. The only big guys they currently have are Luchasarus, Wardlow, Jake Hagar, and possibly Brian Cage. Adding Lance Archer to that group would bring more balance to the size of their roster.
How Will New Japan React To Losing Archer?
After spending a good bit of time in 2019 building Lance Archer as a threat in both the New Japan Cup & G1 Climax, and having him become IWGP United States champion, it will sting to lose Lance Archer. He is still scheduled to compete on New Japan’s tour of the United States. It begins this Friday in Tampa and runs through Feb. 1 in Atlanta. Those could very well be his last dates in the company however.
At 42 years old, Archer is far from a long term investment for any company. New Japan will likely find someone younger to fill his niche and to fill the gap in Suzuki-Gun. If they could replace people like Kenny Omega & Shinsuke Nakarmura, they will be fine losing Lance Archer. We could see them get more aggressive at locking down talent with contracts. They might not rely on the tour by tour ones for people who they are investing into. Those are fine for when your bring someone in to test their skills. A good example would be Sami Callihan in the World Tag League a few years back. They don’t work for people you’re putting championships on however.
Do you think Lance Archer will be a good fit for All Elite Wrestling? What are some matches you want to see from him in the company? Let us know in the comment section down below, and stay tuned for more AEW news & rumors here on The Overtimer.
