Report: Sami Callihan Working Backstage For AEW

Sami Callihan appears to have taken on a new gig within AEW, and it’s not in the ring. According to a report, the former Impact and NXT star has spent the last three weeks working behind the scenes at AEW Dynamite tapings, with stops in Clearwater, Florida, Roanoke, Virginia, and most recently Boston, Massachusetts on Wednesday, July 15. He’s also expected to be part of the AEW Collision tapings in Boston on Thursday, July 16.

Details on Callihan’s exact role haven’t been made clear, but his presence at three consecutive rounds of tapings suggests it’s more than a one-off appearance. Callihan, known for his hard-hitting style and lengthy tenure in Impact Wrestling as well as a run in WWE’s developmental system under the Cannonball nickname, has been a free agent since his NXT run wound down. Backstage roles for veteran talent — whether as agents, producers, or consultants — have become increasingly common across the industry, and AEW has brought in several former in-ring performers to work in similar capacities over the years.

It’s unclear at this point whether Callihan’s backstage work is a trial run, a permanent position, or tied to any specific angle involving talent he may be helping produce. AEW has not issued any official announcement regarding his role, and it remains to be seen whether this arrangement will be addressed on television or simply continue as a behind-the-scenes fixture.

Given his in-ring resume and reputation for physicality, some fans will no doubt wonder whether a backstage role could eventually lead to an on-screen return down the line. For now, though, all signs point to Callihan settling into life away from the ring, at least for the time being, as AEW continues building out its production and agent staff heading into the back half of 2026.