All Elite Wrestling has kicked off 2026 on an exciting note by signing several different stars from around the wrestling world.
Whether it be TNA talent like The Rascalz and Jake Doyle or the likes of Persphone, Mascara Dorada, Alec Price and Jordan Oliver, these names have added a lot of attention to the company as they bolster their roster in the new year.
Looking at the current free agents, there are several former WWE champions who could be brought in to play a role in the promotion throughout the coming months.
Here are seven former WWE champions to potentially sign with AEW.
7. Bishop Dyer (Baron Corbin)
Ahead of the January 21 edition of AEW Dynamite from Orlando, Florida, Bishop Dyer made a surprise appearance and competed in a dark match.
This follows over a year of speculation that the former Baron Corbin could potentially make his way to All Elite Wrestling.
The former WWE United States Champion hit the ground running on the indies and reinvented himself becoming Bishop Dyer in several different promotions, such as Major League Wrestling and Maple Leaf Pro.
Dyer signing with AEW could open the door for him to work with some top stars like his real life friend MJF in a prominent role in the company moving forward.
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6. Shayna Baszler
In May 2025, Shayna Baszler was part of the latest slate of talent cuts from WWE, getting her release after an eight year run with the promotion.
Since then, “The Queen of Spades” has only made a few appearances on the independent scene.
Baszler is someone who has a ton of connections within All Elite Wrestling, being good friends with the likes of Marina Shafir.
Considering that relationship and her training with Josh Barnett similar to Jon Moxley, Baszler could easily come in to be Shafir’s new tag team partner and potentially join forces with The Death Riders on AEW TV.
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5. Tommaso Ciampa
On January 21, Tommaso Ciampa took to social media to confirm recent reports that indicated that his WWE contract was about to expire and would be leaving the company.
The former WWE Tag Team Champion ended what has been an over 10 year run with the company.
Looking to continue his career for the next decade, Ciampa could make his way to All Elite Wrestling where he has the potential to play a litany of different roles in the promotion.
With his history in Ring of Honor and with several members of the roster, Ciampa might feel right at home in AEW where he could mix it up with the likes of Darby Allin, Mark Briscoe or even “Hangman” Adam Page.
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4. Dragon Lee
While there are several different names from WWE that are free agents, there could be some current talent who will become available later this year.
Based on recent reports, Dragon Lee’s WWE contract is set to expire sometime during 2026 and could explore his options outside of the company.
Lee is someone who has appeared in All Elite Wrestling in the past and has his brothers RUSH and Dralistico who are currently on the roster.
With his exciting in-ring style and AEW’s love for lucha libre, Dragon Lee could be a highly touted signing for the promotion and has everything it takes to stand out from the pack in the company.
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3. Dakota Kai
One of the most surprising names listed on the latest slate of WWE releases back in May 2025 was Dakota Kai.
The former two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion is one of the most underrated and respected in-ring performers in wrestling today.
Since leaving WWE, Kai has stayed away from the limelight and hasn’t worked with any other promotion.
Looking to make an immediate impact and make a mark in a new promotion, Dakota Kai could make her way to All Elite Wrestling and add a great deal to the women’s division right now.
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2. Bayley
Another excellent addition that could be made for the AEW women’s scene at the moment is Bayley.
While she is among the most decorated and prominent stars in the WWE women’s division, Bayley’s contract is set to expire sometime during 2026.
After experiencing some ups-and-downs throughout the past 12 months, the former WWE Women’s Champion has felt like someone who should explore her options outside of the company when she becomes available.
Joining her former rival and longtime best friend Mercedes Mone, Bayley could sign with AEW and become one of the biggest stars in the women’s division where she can have dream matches with the likes of Kris Statlander, Athena and Willow Nightingale.
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1. AJ Styles
Another WWE star who could be on his way out of the company in what will be his retirement year is AJ Styles.
While he is currently embroiled in a rivalry with GUNTHER on WWE Raw, Styles’ contract with the company is reportedly set to expire in February of this year.
Despite announcing that he will retire in 2026, Styles still feels like someone who can contribute for the remaining months of the year and could be a wonderful addition even in the short term for a top promotion.
Styles signing a one-year deal with AEW would offer some tantalizing possibilities where he could clash with top stars in the company, such as Kenny Omega, Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay in high profile matches before he hangs up his boots.
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