AEW Stars To Leave The Company

Since the AEW roster continues to remain stacked with quality talent, it seems that there could be more stars on their way out.

From legends of the industry who have been with AEW for years to other still rising stars looking to be able to showcase their talents once they’re free from their current contracts – there are a group of AEW talent that could be poised to depart.

Here are eight AEW stars to leave the company. 

8. Chris Jericho

It could be that the inaugural AEW World Champion has already made his last appearance in AEW.

After writing himself off of AEW TV during a TV Time segment with his Learning Tree stable Big Bill and Bryan Keith – Chris Jericho announced he was departing after having lost the ROH World title to Bandido at AEW Dynasty.

While the absence was originally thought to be related to tour dates with his band Fozzy, as the time has stretched on a secondary theory has emerged.

With reports that Jericho’s contract with AEW is set to end in late 2025, there is speculation he could be intending to re-sign with WWE in 2026.

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7. Paul Wight

Paul Wight remains under contract with AEW as he has recently clarified he is happy to be with the company.

Back in February 2021, AEW announced that Wight had signed a “long-term” contract with the company but without any more specifics in the interim.

Seemingly a shoo-in for induction into the WWE Hall of Fame in the event he departs AEW, there could be some intriguing opportunities ahead for Wight.

Since The Big Show remains a fan favorite, it would be iconic to see Wight have a final run in WWE with other nostalgic favorites like Matt & Jeff Hardy and Goldberg seeing recent appearances in the company.

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6. Keith Lee

Keith Lee was last in action in AEW back in December 2023 and has yet to return on TV.

While Lee has previously faced time out of action due to health concerns, he recently confirmed via social media that he was healthy.

Keith Lee remains listed on the AEW roster page despite his continued absence without any specifics known regarding the length of his current contract.

Seemingly suggesting that he would return when the timing was right, perhaps Keith Lee could re-appear in AEW or find himself joining others such as Rusev and Aleister Black in returning to WWE.

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5. Private Party

In a case of another disappearing AEW act, after Private Party (Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen) haven’t been seen on AEW TV since January.

While the duo remain listed on the AEW active roster page, neither have seen action since dropping the AEW Tag Team Championship to the Hurt Syndicate.

Although it was originally rumored that the duo were set to see their contracts expire over the summer, it doesn’t seem that Private Party are yet free agents.

Seemingly a solid pickup for NXT when they are available given their charismatic characters and fun & interactive entrance – hopefully fans get to see more from Kassidy & Quen soon.

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4. Britt Baker

Former AEW Women’s World Champion Britt Baker remains inactive in AEW.

Still very much under contract with AEW, Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. hasn’t been seen in the company in nearly a year.

With a long absence before that, a lot has changed in AEW since Baker featured as one of the foundational members of the women’s division.

In a recent media call, Tony Khan noted that in AEW – similarly to other sports – there are great players “on the bench” who are awaiting the right opportunity to return.

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3. The Outrunners

After gaining momentum with AEW fans last summer through their fun throwback gimmick, The Outrunners (Truth Magnum and Turbo Floyd) have found themselves appearing on ROH as of late.

However all hope is not lost for fans of The Outrunners as earlier this month they starred in an intriguing vignette that aired on Collision.

Signaling that they were on the verge of making a return – after forming a new powerful alliance, the clip also featured the return of Dalton Castle.

Potentially able to make the best of their new trio, three fan favorites may have another chance in AEW before looking to take their talents elsewhere.

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2. Danhausen

Also seemingly on the bench in AEW and ROH is the fan favorite Danhausen.

While Danhausen has seen sparse action in either Tony Khan owned company over the past two years, he has remains very active in indie wrestling in promotions around the world.

Although it was previously rumored that Danhausen’s contract with AEW was set to expire over the summer, it was subsequently reported that additional time was applied to the end of the contract related to time inactive due to injury.

Whenever Danhausen is a free agent, he could have a very powerful ally awaiting to usher him into WWE. Reportedly, The Rock is a big fan of Danhausen with WWE looking to recruit the Very Nice, Very Evil star when available.

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1. Billy Gunn

Recently taking up the mantle of being the go between father figure for The Acclaimed, Jerry Lynn has been mediating conflict between Anthony Bowens and Max Caster.

Possibly setting up a storyline where the duo are reunited with another another before reforming their fan favorite alliance with Billy Gunn – it is also possible Gunn is on his way out of AEW.

Gunn had previously publicly stated that he was under two contracts, one for his backstage role as coach but a separate one as a talent.

With the nostalgic potential to return to WWE when his time with AEW is up, it would make sense to see Billy Gunn be a future AEW departure.

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