Former WWE Champions To Join AEW

Few would argue that AEW’s roster isn’t already stacked with talent. Still, there’s always room for additions that could bring new eyeballs to the product.

Signing performers who have previously captured gold in WWE is arguably one way to do that.

Below are six former WWE champions AEW could look to bring in.

6. Carlito

On June 1 Carlito revealed that his WWE contract was not being renewed, and he disappeared from television without any storyline explanation.

While he rarely wrestled, the former Intercontinental Champion was featured prominently each week as part of The Judgment Day and its disappointing that he never got a chance to wrap up his run in a satisfying manner.

Now a free agent, could we see him turn up in AEW?

Though his in-ring style may not perfectly align with AEW’s work-rate-heavy approach, his recent prominence in WWE could make him a fun one-off appearance to pop the crowd.

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5. AJ Styles

In 2022, AJ Styles stated that he had signed his final contract and intended to finish his career in WWE.

However, this year has brought speculation as to whether that will actually be the case. With the “The Phenomenal One” still competing at such a high level, could he leave when his current deal expires?

There’s a strong argument that AJ Styles is the father of the in-ring style that defines AEW – a style first elevated by Kenny Omega and pushed even further by Will Ospreay – making AEW a fitting place to close out his legendary career.

The obvious question is: will it happen?

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4. Evie (Dakota Kai)

Evie, fka Dakota Kai in WWE, is a performer whose in-ring work rate would make her a natural fit in AEW.

The former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion was released in May, having arguably been underused during her time with the company.

At one point regarded as one of the best female in-ring talents in North America, AEW’s women’s roster offers a slew of potential matchups for the 37-year-old to showcase her ability.

Could we see Evie make her debut this summer once her WWE non-compete clause expires?

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3. PCO

As Pierre of The Quebecers in the mid-1990s, PCO won the WWE – WWF – Tag Team Titles three times – but he’s better known today for his wild late-career resurgence as the unhinged “French Canadian Frankenstein.”

The former Ring of Honor World Champion recently left TNA at the beginning of the year and is now a free agent.

At 57, after years of death-defying bumps, there may not be much mileage left in his body – but a few AEW appearances or a more permanent role in ROH certainly wouldn’t be out of the question.

Could we soon see PCO bring his unique brand of out-of-this-world insanity to AEW?

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2. Kurt Angle

An 11-time World Champion across WWE and TNA – there are few more legendary names in wrestling than Kurt Angle.

While his in-ring career may be over, Angle has a proven track record as an entertaining and charismatic on-screen presence.

There’s undoubtedly a place for the Olympic gold medallist in AEW – perhaps in the role of manager, akin to how Jake “The Snake” Roberts or Arn Anderson have been used in the company’s past.

There’s countless performers on the AEW roster that would benefit greatly from having Angle in their corner.

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1. Shayna Baszler

Shayna Baszler was a dominant NXT Women’s Champion during the height of the brand’s black and gold era.

With a style that didn’t conform to the traditional WWE house style, her in-ring intensity, unique persona, and catch wrestling-based moveset made her standout at a time when NXT was firing on all cylinders creatively and athletically.

However, her run on WWE’s main roster rarely played to those strengths, leaving her frequently underutilised.

Following her release from WWE in May, could we now see Baszler join AEW – where she’d have the freedom to fully embrace her distinct skill set?

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