There was long a precedent for AEW stars making the leap to WWE, however, more recently names from AEW have been showing up in WWE.
From brand new signees to other former champs who have been beloved in the past – there are numerous former AEW champions that may end up signing with WWE.
Here are nine former AEW Champions who may sign with WWE in the future.
9. Britt Baker
After missing the better part of a year of action due to health issues between between 2023 and 2024, former AEW Women’s World Champion Britt Baker made her big return to AEW last Summer.
While she returned to immediately partake in a feud with TBS Champion Mercedes Mone heading into AEW All In London, the match between the pair failed to live up to expectations.
Baker would then wrestle a further two matches, the last of which was in November 2024, before vanishing from the company’s programming.
With it now being over seven months since her last appearance, speculation is naturally high that Baker could move elsewhere. While she’s reported to be under contract for quite a while, Baker moving to WWE can’t be completely ruled out considering her lengthy absence.
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8. Keith Lee
The last time that Keith Lee was in action in AEW was December 2023 – however the former WWE star has recently confirmed that he fine in his continued absence.
When a fan suggested starting a campaign to see Tony Khan book Keith Lee in AEW again, Lee’s response was intriguing.
Lee wrote: “I’ve been good for quite some time, though I do appreciate the concern. But no campaign required. Things happen the way they are suppose to, and eventually, the purpose will show itself.”
While his current AEW contract status is unknown, a lot has changed in WWE since Lee was last signed to the company. Perhaps under a Triple H led creative regime, Keith Lee could finally have the WWE run that fans have been hoping for.
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7. Private Party
After Private Party lost the AEW World Tag Team Championship to The Hurt Syndicate in January 2025, the duo of Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen have disappeared from TV.
With recent reports that their contracts with AEW are coming to an end soon, there is also reportedly interest from WWE in signing the duo.
Their fun gimmick and ability to tap into hilarious character details would seemingly make the pair the perfect fit for NXT.
Since the current NXT Tag Team division is in real need of some viable challengers – now could be the perfect time for Private Party to sign with WWE.
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6. Adam Cole
After departing WWE in August 2021, Adam Cole would make his AEW debut just one month later at AEW All Out.
While he has had several top stories in AEW, his time in the company has unfortunately been plagued by injuries that have prevented him from reaching the AEW World Championship.
Currently the TNT Champion in AEW, there is presumably more time for Cole to reach his goals in AEW – but he could also elect to return to WWE in the future.
Sure to be well received under the Triple H led WWE creative team, perhaps there would be a chance to see what Adam Cole could really do on the main roster.
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5. PAC
PAC has held a number of titles in AEW including AEW All-Atlantic Champion (International Championship) and two AEW Trios Championships with both Penta & Rey Fenix and subsequently, Claudio Castagnoli & Wheeler Yuta.
While he remains a member of Jon Moxley’s Death Riders now – perhaps we could see a time where the star returns to his WWE roots.
Previously having appeared in WWE as both Adrian Neville and later shortened to just Neville – it is possible a move could happen sooner rather than later.
With PAC reportedly having signed an original AEW contract in 2019 with speculation he re-signed back in 2022 – it has yet to be confirmed when his current commitment may be up with the company.
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4. Samoa Joe
Samoa Joe is a current titleholder in AEW, holding the Trios Championship alongside his other stablemates in The Opps – Katsuyori Shibata and Powerhouse Hobbs.
Although with a rich history already in professional wrestling – perhaps as Joe’s career winds down, he would consider a return to WWE.
With Joe admitting that retirement is coming “sooner than later”, his continued impact in Hollywood would suggest that perhaps after his current AEW contract is complete – he may take the leap out of wrestling.
While he may remain associated with AEW even after his retirement, many fans would love to see “The Samoan Submission Machine” show up in WWE once again for one last run and perhaps a role behind-the-scenes.
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3. Chris Jericho
Chris Jericho won both the AEW World Championship and ROH World Championship during his time in AEW – but his list of accomplishments in WWE is about as extensive as it gets.
While it may seem odd to consider since Chris Jericho was a foundational member from the debut of AEW – there has been much speculation that he could potential return to WWE
With his contract with AEW reportedly up in December 2025, perhaps a brand new year could bring the return of Chris Jericho to the company.
Jericho remains absent from AEW TV after he was written off TV in April, reportedly to take time off and to tour with his band Fozzy. It has recently been reported that Jericho’s tour commitments were over and it was now up to Tony Khan as to when the veteran star would return.
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2. Paige (Saraya)
Former AEW Women’s World Champion Saraya is best known to WWE fans from her time in the company as Paige.
Since departing from AEW back in March, Saraya launched a podcast, dropped a memoir and now could be poised for an in-ring return.
Never ruling out a return to her Paige character, Saraya has noted that she would love to return to the character someday.
With Evolution 2025 fast approaching – hopefully Paige gets an opportunity to pop-up in the rumored battle royal said to host a number of surprises for fans.
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1. Thunder Rosa
Another former AEW Women’s World Champion that could find themselves in WWE is Thunder Rosa.
While her return from injury in AEW has featured a compelling feud with Deonna Purrazzo, she has been largely out of title contention with both women’s titles squarely occupied over the past year.
Openly a fan of the product, Thunder Rosa has been known to weigh in WWE related topics on Busted Open Radio and has even praised the way former AEW stars are presented in the company.
With her experience as well as charisma, Thunder Rosa would be a solid addition to either NXT or the main roster.
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