Talent moving from WWE and AEW has been a common occurrence since Tony Khan’s company arrived on the scene in 2019.
With the news of several WWE roster members departing the company in recent days, there could be some familiar names heading to AEW in the coming months.
Here are eight former WWE stars that could sign with AEW.
8. Braun Strowman
The Monster Among Men may seem like a bit of an outside the box acquisition for AEW, but he might actually be a great fit.
Crowds love him, kids love him and his character doesn’t need to be booked to always win to still be a formidable foe.
The Braun Strowman character didn’t really change between WWE runs – potentially lending to a more intriguing possible reinvention in AEW.
Perhaps as a bodyguard figure for MJF, Strowman could definitely find a place on the AEW roster for his unique skills, bringing a monstrous presence that few that are currently in the company can match.
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7. Cora Jade
Despite making a splash in TNA Wrestling recently on behalf of NXT in their crossover partnership, Cora Jade may find herself able to make an entirely different leap soon.
Already having changed her social media names back to Elayna Black – it would really make a lot of sense to see the former Cora Jade in AEW.
Cora Jade arrived in WWE in 2021 but departs with a lot of experience and a promising career ahead of her at 24 years old.
It would be great to see Elayna Black tangle with the likes of Julia Hart and Skye Blue before somehow uniting into a dark female faction to evilly take over AEW.
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6. Gigi Dolin
Recently teaming with Shotzi and Tatum Paxley, Dolin was seemingly on the rise again in NXT however has been confirmed as amongst those facing departure from WWE.
There are still a lot of avenues left for the star in professional wrestling including TNA Wrestling and a return to her former character.
Well known in independent wrestling for her time as Priscilla Kelly, she already has AEW appearances under her belt including at AEW All Out 2019 and a 2020 episode of Dynamite in singles action against Britt Baker.
Wherever she ends up next, Dolin could definitely could reunite with one of her Chemical-X stablemate Shotzi to form an immediate new tag team wherever they land!
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5. Shotzi
Speaking of which, another fan favorite star that seems poised to make the leap to AEW could be Shotzi.
The “Ballsy Badass” was not released from WWE, with it being confirmed that her contract is set to expire and will not be renewed.
Not only could Shotzi contribute to the women’s division in a singles capacity, she could also help to bring women’s tag team wrestling in AEW to the forefront.
From striking up a team with another former WWE alum to revive the AEW faction the Outcasts or recruit a new squad all her own, Shotzi could definitely be a strong force in the division. And unlike many stars on this list who are subject to non-compete clauses she’d be free to start as soon as her WWE contract ends.
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4. Dakota Kai
Although none of the WWE departures were particularly expected, Dakota Kai came as a shock to fans.
Kai was still a member of the seemingly active faction, Damage CTRL, and while Kai has struggled with injuries in the past, she was recently within touching distance of the Women’s Intercontinental Championship and seemed set to play an important role in Raw’s mid-card title scene.
Given her experience and passionate fan base, it would seem that Dakota Kai would be a solid pick-up for AEW with a lot of great potential in the company.
Dakota Kai could immediately feud anywhere in the division from Mercedes Mone and Toni Storm to Julia Hart, Skye Blue or Queen Aminata – the possibilities are really endless!
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3. Beth Phoenix
Since Adam Copeland joined AEW, the speculation began that perhaps his real-life wife Beth Phoenix may follow suit.
However, despite voicing the intro to his entrance music, the WWE Hall of Famer has yet to make any on-screen appearances in AEW.
Able to join the company as not only as an in-ring performer but also as experienced backstage presence, Pheonix has a lot left to give in her career.
Also potentially adding a unique and female voice to the AEW commentary team, even if only for limited matches similarly to Jim Ross, could be a great use of the Glamazon’s talents.
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2. AJ Styles
Sting’s retirement from professional wrestling taking place in AEW demonstrated that the company is able to send off veterans with the utmost respect.
While AJ Styles debuted in WWE in 2016, he was already well known to professional wrestling fans from his previous work in TNA as well as NJPW.
Perhaps looking to have a degree of creative control in his own farewell, AJ Styles could elect to sign with AEW ahead of eventual retirement.
While it remains possible that this move could happen, Styles has a ton of dream matches on the table in AEW and could easily tick them all off in one year in AEW should he opt to do so.
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1. Shinsuke Nakamura
Not present at all on the WWE WrestleMania 41 card was Shinsuke Nakamura. While the 45-year old star did compete in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on the SmackDown before Mania, he failed to achieve success there either.
There has been speculation that Nakamura may be among the group of WWE stars who find themselves departing the company after their current contract expires, but there is no confirmation on this as of yet.
With a long history in professional wrestling, Shinsuke Nakamura may find himself in a similar position as AJ Styles in terms of seeking some control over his farewell.
Whether Nakamura plans to continue wrestling for a long or short time, he would be a great snag for AEW.
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