On July 12, AEW is running its biggest show of the year — All In Texas.
It is also its biggest show ever on US soil – at the time of writing, over 23,000 tickets have been distributed, according to WrestleTix.
Given the scale and importance of the event, there will undoubtedly be surprise debuts — most likely in the two Casino Gauntlet matches, male and female, with the full line-ups still unannounced.
Here are six of the names we could see debut in Texas.
6. Shotzi Blackheart
Since Shotzi Blackheart’s five-year run with WWE came to an end in May — when her contract was not renewed — she’s been in high demand across the wrestling world.
Blackheart has already appeared for the likes of MLW and GCW, as well as Progress Wrestling in the UK and Scott D’Amore’s Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling in Canada.
Her recent frenetic schedule is no surprise — beyond the name value of being a former “WWE Superstar,” the 34-year-old brings undeniable charisma and relentless in-ring energy, making her a standout addition to any roster.
Given her upside, there’s every chance Blackheart signs with AEW — and she could debut as a surprise entrant in the Casino Gauntlet at All In Texas.
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5. Michael Oku
It was widely speculated last year that British star Michael Oku had signed a deal with AEW.
This seemed all but confirmed when the 32-year-old worked a dark match before AEW’s Dynamite taping in Cardiff, Wales.
Yet, there has been no further development since, with Oku continuing to impress on the UK indies — where he currently holds RevPro’s British Heavyweight Championship.
A talented worker — and one of Will Ospreay’s all-time great opponents — it feels inevitable we’ll see him in AEW before long, but could his official debut come as soon as All In: Texas in the Casino Gauntlet?
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4. Syuri
For several years now, former UFC fighter Syuri has arguably been pro-wrestling’s standout striker, plying her trade full-time in Japan’s top joshi promotion, Stardom.
On June 20, the 36-year-old lost the IWGP Women’s Title to rival Sareee in a bout widely regarded as one of the year’s best — a brutal affair of stiff strikes (including shoot headbutts!) and slick submission sequences.
Following her loss, she announced she was taking a break from Stardom, vowing to return “one day” — strongly suggesting a full-time departure from the promotion.
Given AEW’s working relationship with Stardom, this could hint at her destination — having Syuri debut at All In would be a major addition to their women’s roster.
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3. Ace Austin
Former TNA star Ace Austin left the promotion at the beginning of June after a six-year run with the company, officially entering free agency.
Since his departure, he has competed in the UK for top indie RevPro, as well as challenging Josh Alexander for the Canadian Heavyweight Title at Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling’s Resurrection — in what was widely considered the best match on the card.
As a performer, Austin remains untapped potential — a star TNA never fully pulled the trigger on, despite his success in both the X-Division and tag team scene.
A debut at All In Texas could be the start of a slow-build push into AEW’s upper tier for the talented 28-year-old.
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2. Bozilla
In June, Bozilla shocked the joshi scene in Japan by jumping from WWE-affiliated promotion Marigold to rival Stardom.
With under two years of experience, the 21-year-old debuted at Marigold’s inaugural show last year and, despite being very green, quickly impressed as a monster heel.
Since then, she has continued to improve — having a standout match against AEW’s Megan Bayne over WrestleMania weekend at Joey Janela’s Spring Break, where she reportedly agreed to the Stardom move.
Given Stardom’s relationship with AEW, Bozilla is another star we could see brought in — possibly as a dominant heavyweight heel in the women’s division — perhaps even debuting at All In Texas.
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1. Priscilla Kelly
Priscilla Kelly – then Gigi Dolin – was released from WWE in May, after spending four years with the company.
Never making it out of developmental, she was rarely able to show the in-ring potential that had made her a standout on the indies before signing in early 2021.
Both charismatic and a hard-working in-ring performer, she’s another free agent with untapped potential AEW could look to utilise.
Already widely recognised by the pro-wrestling audience, she’d be sure to get a big pop in Texas — and is someone AEW could build through increased ring time.
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