As AEW prepares for Forbidden Door 2025 with partner promotions worldwide, there could be some former WWE faces making their debuts.
With Forbidden Door set to be the first pay-per-view after the most recent group of released WWE stars have seen their non-compete clauses end – there could be some surprises in store.
Here are six former WWE stars that could debut at AEW Forbidden Door 2025.
6. Karrion Kross
If Karrion Kross finds himself on-screen at AEW Forbidden Door – he will have been on both an AEW and WWE special event in the same month.
With reports stating that Karrion Kross’ WWE contract is set to expire this weekend and that no new contract offer has been extended – it seems that both he and Scarlett may be departing the company.
With his recent groundswell of fan support online as well as with the live WWE crowds, it is possible the same fervor could translate to AEW.
Potentially looking to capitalize on a talent that could be perceived as being “fumbled” by WWE, it might make a strong strategic move for AEW to pick up Kross while fans are still enthusiastic.
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5. Dakota Kai
One of the more befuddling releases in 2025 was that of Dakota Kai.
Having been recently involved in chasing the inaugural WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship, Kai just before being released, she managed to make it to the final of the tournament before losing to Lyra Valkyria.
Clearly well respected backstage – Dakota Kai could be a positive addition to the AEW women’s locker room.
Bringing veteran experience in the ring, Kai could certainly hold her own with anyone in the AEW women’s division.
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4. Shayna Baszler
Another potential major contribution to the future of the AEW women’s division could also come from a recently released WWE star.
Shayna Baszler had a solid run on NXT in her ‘Queen of Spades’ iteration – but that ferocity never quite translated to the main roster.
With her MMA background as well as clear dedication to the industry, it wouldn’t be surprising to see AEW sign her.
Shayna Baszler could find herself partnering with a more obvious choice like Marina Shafir or even aligning with AEW homegrown talent like Kris Statlander – there are a lot of intriguing possibilities.
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3. Karl Fredericks
One NXT departure that spoke out about their character and what they felt went wrong has been the former Eddy Thorpe.
Speaking about how he felt his character struggled to be understood, Fredericks is seemingly open to a future in professional wrestling.
Returning to the name he formerly used in NJPW Karl Fredericks, he made any independent wrestling appearances since departing WWE.
Perhaps awaiting his debut in AEW – we’ll have to see what’s next for Fredericks.
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2. Bea Priestley (Blair Davenport)
Bea Priestley signed with All Elite Wrestling in 2019, however her time in the company was relatively short as they parted ways after only a year.
Signing with WWE in 2021, she would go on to become known as Blair Davenport – going on to feature on NXT, NXT UK and SmackDown.
However, after being released from WWE she has already made her return to wrestling. Competing first in NJPW, she recently made a return to STARDOM.
Potentially being the perfect future foe for Toni Storm or Jamie Hayter – it would be fun to see old rivalries renewed in AEW.
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1. Bishop Dyer
Before finding himself without a contract renewal, Baron Corbin was not only a tenured WWE veteran of twelve years – he was still finding new popularity with fans.
After audiences loved his tag team in NXT with Bron Breakker (collectively known as the Wolf Dogs), Corbin would be drafted back to the main roster only to languish until he departed TV entirely.
Potentially joining AEW to link up with MJF in a new faction – there is definitely a built-in storyline awaiting Dyer should he sign with the company.
Able to find space in AEW to re-invent his on-screen character which could be more aligned to his real life personality – fans would likely enjoy seeing this brand new side of their veteran favorite.
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