Current WWE Stars To Sign With AEW

With continued contract news swirling around WWE, there are several current stars that could find themselves signing with AEW.

From those seemingly awaiting their contracts to expire to others that may be a bit more shocking to see make the leap – there are some intriguing possibilities.

Here are six current WWE stars that could sign with AEW in the future. 

6. Shinsuke Nakamura

Previous rumors back in May 2025 noted that Shinsuke Nakamura’s WWE contract was coming to an end and WWE was not planning on renewing it.

While there was no specific details or dates noted for when his contract could be up, WWE nor Nakamura have issued any official statement. He remains listed on the active roster page.

However, appearing only a handful of times over recent months, Nakamura could very well be on his way out of WWE.

While there are no specific reports regarding about when – it would be iconic to see Nakamura make a surprise debut at AEW Forbidden Door 2025 if able.

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5. Bayley

After getting taken out of WrestleMania 41 at the last minute (in storyline at least) and being omitted from the SummerSlam 2025 card entirely – it seems hard to know where veteran star Bayley fits in.

While she was reportedly set for a singles feud with Becky Lynch, it seems that Lynch is going on to tangle with returning Hall of Famer Nikki Bella whilst Bayley remains watching and waiting.

Still with a lot to contribute in her career, it might make sense to see Bayley consider AEW when her time with WWE comes to an end. Recently revealing back in April that she had “about a year and a half” left on her current contract – she remains open about the future.

With her close friendship with Mercedes Mone potentially a motivating factor – perhaps fans will see the pair reunited in AEW.

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4. LA Knight

In August 2024 it was reported that Knight had “restructured and extended” his WWE contract at the time which would see him remaining with the company for several more years.

If Knight fails to grasp the push he is hopeful for in WWE, perhaps he might find it after he departs and in AEW.

In a move that would be big for AEW, signing LA Knight would certainly lead to some interesting storylines.

Able to play off of former rivalries from his days in WWE, TNA and elsewhere – Knight could prove to be an injection of fun into AEW in the future.

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3. Rhea Ripley

In what is potentially the least likely of the list, it may not be probable that Rhea Ripley would jump ship from WWE to AEW but it is possible.

With real-life husband Buddy Matthews still on the AEW roster, perhaps Ripley would take a meeting with AEW CEO Tony Khan in the future.

Since Rhea is an absolutely massive presence in WWE – being able to snag the former World champion would be an absolute coup for AEW.

However, any such leap will have to wait quite some time with Ripley signing a new deal with WWE in 2024 that was reportedly set for five years.

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2. Wes Lee

An industry veteran, Wes Lee has already seen action in WWE, TNA Wrestling and countless independent promotions – perhaps his next step might be AEW.

While Wes Lee remains in top stories in NXT, he could potentially reach even higher heights in AEW.

Given his veteran in-ring skills and charismatic character, it seems that Wes Lee would be TV ready for AEW.

Similarly to other defections like Ricochet or Bobby Lashley, Lee may be electing to head to AEW after his WWE deal ends in order to get a shot to showcase his abilities with seemingly more creative input into the process.

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1. Asuka

Only recently returning to WWE action after a long period off TV due to injury, Asuka could be another star looking at a potential switch in the future.

While she hasn’t given any indication she plans on retiring anytime soon, perhaps when Asuka is nearing that stage of her career she would consider a run in AEW.

AEW has already demonstrated the ability to handle the retirements of Sting and Bryan Danielson with nuance but Asuka could be the first female legend to follow suit.

Another case of non-specific contract details, Asuka reportedly signed a new “long-term” contract with WWE in 2024 although length wasn’t known.

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