AEW boasts a stacked roster of talent.
Yet in the midst of a wrestling war, it’s always crucial to keep an eye out for the next star who could make a real difference.
The wrestling world currently has multiple free agents who could be major additions to AEW’s already impressive line-up.
Here are six free agents we could soon see make their way to AEW.
6. Ronda Rousey
Few could argue against the idea that Ronda Rousey changed the landscape of women’s wrestling in the United States.
Arriving in WWE as a former UFC Women’s Champion, she played the central role in elevating women’s wrestling to the very top of the card — as part of the first-ever women’s main event at WrestleMania: the three-way match against Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair at WrestleMania 35.
Despite a less successful second run with WWE, Rousey remains a globally recognised star with significant crossover appeal.
There are few bigger free agents in the wrestling world, so perhaps we could see “The Baddest Woman on the Planet” sign with AEW, especially considering she’s already had a match for ROH.
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5. Cora Jade
Cora Jade was another of the names released by WWE in May.
Returning to her previous independent ring name, Elayna Black, she recently appeared on The Ariel Helwani Show, where she expressed that she was “open” to a move to AEW – a company she had previously wrestled for as enhancement talent on AEW Dark during the pandemic-era, before signing with WWE.
Speaking on another podcast, Insight with Chris Van Vliet, she also named AEW’s Mercedes Moné as her dream opponent.
With her intentions clearly signalled, the real question is whether AEW shares that interest and is willing to sign her.
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4. Shayna Baszler
Former NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler made no effort to hide her feelings after being released from WWE at the beginning of May.
Posting on X, the former pro-fighter declared: “No one can offer what I have to offer. Reality. Let the Galaxy burn.”
With that statement, it’s clear she won’t be going quietly into that goodnight when her non-compete clause expires next month.
Given her level of talent – and her close connection to top AEW star Marina Shafir – it wouldn’t be surprising to see Shayna Baszler appear in AEW very soon, ready to prove a point.
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3. Shotzi Blackheart
Shotzi also left WWE in May, although unlike many of the recent cuts, her contract simply wasn’t renewed rather than her being actively released.
She wasted no time returning to the independent scene where she first made her name – reclaiming her full moniker Shotzi Blackheart – appearing as a surprise entrant in GCW’s annual deathmatch tournament: Tournament of Survival.
She’s currently embroiled in a viral feud with fellow indie star Matt Cardona, which looks set to payoff this summer in a high-profile intergender bout.
Hard-working in the ring and bursting with palpable charisma, Shotzi has a clear ability to connect with pro-wrestling audiences – making her exactly the kind of free agent AEW should have on its radar.
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2. Katsuhiko Nakajima
In 2023, Japanese star Katsuhiko Nakajima became one of the hottest free agents in wrestling, departing his home promotion, Pro Wrestling NOAH, and reportedly attracting interest from both AEW and WWE.
Last year, he went on to have a standout run in All Japan Pro Wrestling, capturing the prestigious Triple Crown Championship and delivering a string of highly acclaimed matches.
Tony Khan has previously acknowledged interest in the 37-year-old, though things have since gone quiet, with Nakajima now working for lower-key Japanese promotion GLEAT.
Still, Nakajima remains one of the most talented free agents in the world, offering a ferocious in-ring style and unique charisma unlike anyone currently on the AEW roster, and could make a truly impactful signing.
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1. Ace Austin
Recently, TNA star Ace Austin officially entered free agency after a six-year run with the company.
The 28-year-old is a decorated champion, having captured the X-Division Title and the Tag Team Titles – alongside Chris Bey – on three occasions each.
However, despite a few shots at the TNA World Title, the company never fully pulled the trigger on pushing him as a top star.
With excellent in-ring ability, natural charisma, and undeniable star presence, TNA, arguably, made a mistake – could AEW be the place where Ace Austin realises his full potential?
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