With the new year kicking off, there could very well be new debuts in AEW from WWE and vice versa.
While there are a number of free agents that could arrive in AEW in the near future, it might actually be a number of current WWE stars joining the roster later that could make a tremendous impact.
Here are five current WWE stars that could sign with AEW.
5. Shinsuke Nakamura
A current WWE star that seemingly faces a bit of an unknown direction in his future is Shinsuke Nakamura.
Perhaps not interested in retiring straight away from WWE, there could be the proper conditions to see Shinsuke Nakamura sign with AEW.
Able to join the company and likely direct his own retirement tour, he would also have access to facing some of the widest array of talent from across the globe for his farewell — something that is not as possible in WWE.
Locking up with both current AEW talent, former foes from WWE now in AEW as well as icons from NJPW, it might make total sense to see a short stay in AEW ahead of retirement for Nakamura.
Click the next page button below for more
4. Tommaso Ciampa
With reports that Tommaso Ciampa is poised to depart WWE at the end of his current contract, he seems to be one current WWE star that could have an amazing run in AEW.
Able to wrestle in a gritty and technical style that fits right in with the rest of the AEW roster, Ciampa certainly brings a veteran level of experience.
A frightening force when presented in that light, Ciampa could end up being a solid new addition to the likes of the Death Riders or even a brand new faction of heels.
While it isn’t a given that any former WWE star is picked up by AEW in 2026, it would make total sense for Tony Khan to recruit Ciampa given both his in-ring abilities and capacity to still have a lot of stories left to tell.
Click the next page button below for more
3. Giulia
While she has recently reclaimed the WWE United States Championship, the road so far on the main roster has a bit start and stop.
Easily able to find her stride with a slight shift in character, change in brand or even to engage in an exciting feud — it would make sense to see Giulia stay put in WWE after all.
However, if her connection to audiences continues to fall flat, she may be better served to take on a big role in AEW instead.
Able to absolutely shine in the setting of demonstrating a more aggressive style, Giulia could find herself in AEW one day.
Click the next page button below for more
2. AJ Styles
With the presumption that Chris Jericho is set to be revealed as having re-signed with WWE, it could be an equally big move to see AJ Styles sign with AEW.
While it certainly seems as though Styles could retire from WWE, there is always a chance that he could end up popping up in AEW.
Able to join an expansive cast already on the AEW roster to renew former rivalries, there could be some really fun farewell tour match-ups in the Tony Khan owned companies that wouldn’t be possible in WWE.
Able to compete against those in AEW, ROH, NJPW, CMLL and more — AJ Styles’ retirement tour could end up seemingly spanning across both WWE and AEW.
Click the next page button below for more
1.Bayley
One potential defection that could be massive for the future of AEW is Bayley.
Seemingly poised to take on a continued life in the public eye even after the end of her in-ring career, Bayley remains an active member of her local community and the professional wrestling world beyond her intense traveling schedule with WWE.
Branching out with charitable efforts in her community as well as hosting training opportunities to benefit the future of women in wrestling, Bayley could find a unique home in AEW for partnership on her future endeavors inside and outside the ring.
Able to have access to potentially more opportunity to self-direct, Bayley could become a foundational member of the next era of the AEW women’s division both in front of the cameras and behind the scenes.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!
Comments.
Loading comments…