With the possibility that a major AEW name may be poised to sign with WWE, there could be more stars set to follow suit.
Since there have been several names with AEW since the earliest days of the company that could possibly be heading to free agency, there may be some legendary stars of the promotion set to depart.
Here are six AEW legends who could sign with WWE.
6. Chris Jericho
One AEW legend that was formative to the company’s foundation on the verge of re-signing with WWE is Chris Jericho.
After having been with AEW since the beginning of the company, Jericho’s contract is reportedly set to expire at the end of 2025.
Poised to follow in the footsteps of Cody Rhodes and CM Punk by making a major return to WWE after spending time in AEW, Jericho also could be re-signing for a very specific reason.
Potentially joining WWE for a specific retirement storyline, Jericho could end his run being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in the future with WrestleMania 43 set for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia coming up in April 2027.
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5. Edge (Adam Copeland)
With the Last Time Is Now tournament to determine John Cena’s final opponent well underway, there are still fans who were wishing and hoping for a miraculous appearance by Edge (Adam Copeland).
However, Copeland remains under contract with AEW and wasn’t considered by WWE for inclusion in Cena’s farewell tour.
While Copeland has seemingly made it clear that he is headed for retirement after his current AEW contract ends, there are still fans holding out hope for a potential WWE return.
Potentially with WWE making an offer that Copeland couldn’t refuse, there is always a possibility he could end up back in the company.
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4. Paul Wight (The Big Show)
Certainly having made an indelible mark on AEW, Paul Wight has functioned in numerous roles across the brand. Most recently making an appearance during the Full Gear 2025 pre-show, Wight confirmed back in May 2025 that he was still happily under contract with AEW.
However, there could certainly still be more things for The Big Show to do in WWE should he return either as an on-screen talent or in a role behind the scenes.
Still an attraction to see him compete, Wight’s abilities also extend to such realms as backstage interviewing and commentary making him an ideal returning legend for WWE in the future.
A notable current omission from the WWE Hall of Fame, it could be that the induction is simply waiting on him to depart AEW.
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3. Matt & Jeff Hardy
While their time in AEW was relatively brief, Matt and Jeff Hardy had some memorable moments during their run in AEW.
After departing AEW, The Hardy Boyz returned to TNA Wrestling where the duo captured the TNA World Tag Team Championship in addition to picking up another new accolade.
Winning the NXT Tag Team Championship for the first time, the duo have appeared in action against WWE talent on several occasions.
Being open about their goal to re-sign with WWE for one final run before hanging up their boots and retiring, Matt and Jeff Hardy could be re-signing with WWE soon.
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2. Billy Gunn
While Billy Gunn has had a landmark run in AEW which could certainly certify him with legend status, he hasn’t been in action for awhile.
Last competing in the ring in AEW back in May 2024 during the Double or Nothing Buy-In, Gunn is still active in independent wrestling.
Potentially set for his own WWE return in the future, it would make sense for Gunn to re-sign even if he wasn’t set to actively perform in the ring in the company.
With Gunn being under multiple contracts with AEW – both as a performer and as a staff member – it could be quite some time before he is a free agent.
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1. Bryan Danielson
While Bryan Danielson has transitioned away from his work in the ring in AEW, he has returned to TV on a regular basis behind the commentary desk.
Joining the commentary team for both TV and pay-per-view events, Danielson has added an extra element to the broadcast that is both beneficial and insightful.
Potentially able to assume the same role in WWE, Danielson could be an amazing contributor to the NXT broadcast in the future, or even the main roster.
While a flip back to WWE for Bryan Danielson might appear to be quite unlikely, in professional wrestling it does seem that anything is possible.
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