It's interesting that WWE would go this length to try to keep one person (apparently). Normally they are so concerned about setting precedent they wouldn't do all this for fear that other folks would start wanting the same effort to keep them around.
The funny part to me is that they clearly are afraid if Bryan went to New Japan (or AEW in order to go to New Japan) he could potentially be a big star for them.......so why don't they push him as a big star on their TV? That whole mindset of keeping someone locked in the basement at the PC because they might be a big star elsewhere is baffling. LIke ok, I get not wanting the competition to make money, so why not have them make that money for you instead? Vince really would rather shovel money in the furnace over the fear another company somewhere might make an extra penny.