Credit: AEW
The tag team known as The Righteous, consisting of Vinny and Dutch, are reportedly nearing a WWE contract after recently signaling they are concluding their independent wrestling bookings. Sources close to the situation have indicated that the duo is preparing for a major career move, ending their current engagements with indie promoters over the coming months.
The Righteous’ Journey From ROH and AEW to WWE Interest
Vinny and Dutch built their reputation in the wrestling world as The Righteous, gaining particular prominence through their tenure in Ring of Honor (ROH), where they were multiple-time ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Champions. Their success in ROH caught the attention of major promotions, eventually leading to their signing with All Elite Wrestling (AEW). There, the team was featured primarily via AEW’s sister promotion, ROH, until they were granted their release earlier this year.
According to a Fightful Select report, the team has been informing several independent wrestling promoters that their dates will be finished soon, which aligns with growing indications of WWE interest. This would mark a significant career shift, as The Righteous have been active across AEW and the indies since leaving ROH.
Previous WWE Interest and Scrapped Plans
The Righteous’ potential move to WWE is not without precedent. In late 2022, the duo participated in an indie-only WWE tryout session, demonstrating the company’s prior interest. However, a WWE company-wide hiring freeze halted any immediate signing plans. This freeze was implemented when Vince McMahon returned to WWE and was closely tied with the company’s transition after Endeavor’s acquisition, which slowed all new talent acquisitions.
Further insights reveal that WWE creative had longer-term plans for The Righteous that never materialized. Wrestling journalist Karrion Kross disclosed in a recent vlog that Bray Wyatt had pitched an idea to integrate Vinny and Dutch as part of an expanded Wyatt Sicks faction. The concept involved the team serving as a faction extension, potentially performing on a different WWE brand. However, this idea was shelved before fruition.
“Bray wanted to start the Sicks, but he wanted to expand it with me, Vinny and Dutch as part of a faction offshoot on another show like Raw. It was ready to go, but the plans fell through. Jason Baker could tell you all about it,” Kross revealed.
WWE’s Current Interest and Potential Signing
The recent reports from Fightful Select highlight renewed WWE interest after The Righteous were granted their AEW release earlier in 2025. According to insiders, WWE executives see strong potential in Vinny and Dutch as a tag team, compatible with the company’s current focus on rejuvenating its tag division.
A WWE insider told Wrestling News:
“The Righteous bring a unique mix of indie grit and proven ROH pedigree. They’ve impressed behind the scenes and are expected to help elevate the mid-card tag team scene if signed.”
The timing of their independent dates wrapping up coupled with WWE’s interest suggests a likely signing announcement in the months ahead. Industry experts expect that once contracted, The Righteous could appear on WWE’s developmental brand to acclimate and prepare for a possible main roster call-up.