Former WWE NXT Stars To Join AEW

After the departure of several stars over recent months, it could be that there are some former WWE NXT stars headed for AEW.

Experienced veterans, those listed are some of the top talent that AEW could recruit from free agents that have pasts in WWE NXT.

Here are six former WWE NXT stars that could join AEW. 

6. Nixon Newell (Tegan Nox)

After being released from WWE in November 2024, Nixon Newell recently made her on-screen debut in a backstage segment on AEW Collision.

Formerly known as Tegan Knox during her time in WWE, Newell has already introduced herself to the AEW audience as the woman with the shiniest wizard.

Appearing on a recent episode of Collision, Newell arrived with Miranda Alize with the duo confronting the team of Anna Jay and Tay Melo in a backstage segment.

Potentially joining AEW on a more permanent basis in the near future, it could be that Newell end up signing with the company.

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5. Dakota Kai

One of the releases that was rather surprising to WWE fans in May 2025 was Dakota Kai.

Shortly before the release, Kai was involved in a storyline with Lyra Valkyria where the duo were feuding over the inaugural women’s Intercontinental Champion.

Clearly a skilled technician, it could be that Dakota Kai is poised to make an in-ring return soon but this time in AEW.

Able to showcase her skills in both singles and tag team competition, Dakota Kai would be a solid pick-up for Tony Khan in regards to versatile new signings with TV experience.

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4. Cedric Alexander

One star that fans continue to hope is set to actually join AEW in the near future is Cedric Alexander.

With the rest of the former WWE stable the Hurt Business now in AEW as the Hurt Syndicate (Bobby Lashley, MVP & Shelton Benjamin), the last missing piece is Alexander.

After being released by WWE in February 2025, Alexander spent some time reinventing his singles persona in TNA Wrestling.

Although it was recently revealed that he is not working under a contract with TNA Wrestling any more, he could definitely find himself signed to AEW in the near future.

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3. Shotzi

Already making a big statement on the indies with her return to independent wrestling after departing WWE, Shotzi hasn’t slowed down yet.

Seemingly picking up the indie workhorse mantle from others that came before her, Shotzi has appeared for numerous companies since departing WWE.

Set to be a fun appearance whenever she invariably appears on AEW, it would be great to see the veteran worker fully sign with the company.

Able to contribute a lot to any women’s division, Shotzi’s experience as well as dedication can’t be denied.

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2. The IInspiration

After taking time off from professional wrestling to have children, the fierce duo of Jess McKay and Cassie Lee are back in action in TNA Wrestling.

While they recently appeared on WWE NXT as a part of TNA’s invasion angle, the pair were actually released from WWE back in April 2021.

Recently being reported as out of contract with TNA Wrestling but still appearing for the company, there could be a big move coming up in the duo’s future.

Potentially able to join the emerging AEW women’s tag team division and go on to make a huge impact, it could be that the former WWE stars end up All Elite in the end.

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1. Bishop Dyer

An intriguing departure from WWE at the time, Baron Corbin has gone on to reinvent himself outside WWE as Bishop Dyer.

Potentially able to join AEW alongside his current MLW tag team partner and fellow NXT alum Dominik Dijak, the duo could be a destructive force in the company.

Calling themselves The Skyscrapers in homage to the original titans by that name from WCW, the pair have taken MLW by storm including winning the MLW World Tag Team Championship.

Potentially aligning on-screen with other former WWE stars, there could be some fun references to past storylines in a cheeky way that dedicated fans would enjoy.

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