Legends To Leave AEW & Re-Sign With WWE

While AEW has many exciting stars of the future on its roster, there is also an abundance of legendary names who previously had runs in WWE.

With many of these names being synonymous with WWE, there could soon be speculation regarding some of them potentially making their way back to the company, whether for a Hall of Fame induction, a role on television, or backstage.

Here are eight legends that could leave AEW and re-sign with WWE. 

8. Chris Jericho

An AEW original that to many fans, seemed likely to retire in the company – speculation continues to be abound that Chris Jericho will instead return to WWE instead.

Last seen in AEW back in April, Jericho has remained off of TV through the summer, with reports surfacing that his contract with AEW is set to expire at the end of 2025.

With his stance on a WWE return noticeably softening over the years, perhaps the time would be right for a return.

Able to slide into a potential retirement storyline after John Cena wraps his own career up at the end of the year, Chris Jericho could make an enormous impact in WWE upon his return, as well as receive his well-earned place in the Hall of Fame.

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7. Billy Gunn

While Billy Gunn may already be one of the rare stars that has contracts with both AEW and WWE (the latter for merchandise and likeness hence his inclusion in WWE 2K25) – he may consider a return to WWE in the future.

After a lengthy absence of Austin and Colten Gunn – fans began to speculate regarding their future in AEW, as well as their father Billy, who has historic ties to WWE and its current Chief Content Officer Triple H.

While The Gunns returned to AEW programming at All In Texas, unfortunately, Colten suffered a knee injury at a Collision taping shortly thereafter which reportedly will see him out of action for the foreseeable future.

While Colten and Austin may be set to stick around in AEW, it might make sense to see the elder Gunn to re-sign to WWE, taking up a backstage role in the company alongside his former DX stablemates.

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6. Bryan Danielson

After returning to make a series of surprise appearances in AEW, Bryan Danielson also featured into the finish of the main event of AEW All In Texas.

While Danielson has noted that he plans to remain inactive from in-ring competition for the time being -he could potentially look to re-sign with WWE in regards to merchandising and licensing.

While the recently returning Nikki Bella has certainly not commented about any return of Bryan, there is one Danielson that she has noted she hopes joins her in WWE – twin sister Brie.

If Brie returns, alongside Nikki, perhaps the odds of Danielson following suit will increase. However, at this point in time it seems like “The American Dragon” is happy working with Tony Khan in AEW.

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5. Samoa Joe

A legend spanning multiple promotions before arriving in WWE, Samoa Joe arguably has unfinished business in WWE.

While his previous tenure in the company included being released – more than once – Samoa Joe has rocketed to new career heights in the time since his departure.

With now feature roles in film and video game projects outside of wrestling – returning to WWE could be the move to expand his career outside of professional wrestling.

Able to not only bring his in-ring abilities, Joe was also a fan favorite on commentary as well and could provide valuable experience in a number of roles in WWE, both inside the ring and behind the scenes.

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4. Christian Cage

Similarly to others on this list, despite his many accolades in the professional wrestling industry and WWE – Christian Cage has not yet been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

While he remains under contract with AEW and doing compelling work – there are some fans who will always remember him most fondly for his WWE character.

Able to return to his sillier roots in a space like NXT, Christian Cage could make the ideal on-screen authority figure as a GM, or perhaps even have one last run inside a WWE ring, something he was not afforded during his latter years in the company before moving to AEW.

Certainly able to capitalize best off of the nostalgia of both he and his former tag team partner Edge (Adam Copeland) – it would still be great to see Christian back on WWE TV, even without “The Rated R Superstar”.

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3. Cope

Along with Christian Cage, it would seem that Adam Copeland could also be another name who could make a return to WWE somewhere in the future.

Potentially not as an active wrestler, it could be that Cope (as he is now known in AEW) brings mentorship in the form of a managerial role or on-screen authority in WWE.

Unlike several others on the list, Cope is already in the WWE Hall of Fame, having been inducted in 2012.

While he may be winding down his in-ring career – a return to WWE in some capacity, maybe even a dueling authority figure with Christian Cage – would be legendary.

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2. Paul Wight

Still fondly remembered by WWE fans for his time in the company as The Big Show, Paul Wight is another name often linked with a return to his former long-time employer.

While he remains contracted with AEW – most recently appearing on the pre-show panel at AEW All In Texas – he could arguably play a bigger role than the one he has in recent years.

With other previously signed legends such as Mark Henry and Arn Anderson exiting AEW only to re-appear on WWE TV from time to time, perhaps Wight could follow suit, only instead playing a bigger role backstage in the company.

With plenty of interesting stories for his character left to tell – as well as a future WWE Hall of Fame induction – hopefully fans get to see the return of The Big Show one day.

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1. Jim Ross

Although he continues to make sporadic appearances for main events in AEW – Jim Ross remains undeniably linked to WWE.

With his popular calls on major WWE moments having become fully embedded into the company’s history – including the word slobberknocker – Jim Ross remains a major voice of wrestling for mainstream audiences.

While he should in no way take on a frequent WWE travel schedule, JR could definitely be tapped to bring his own classic spin on modern moments.

Imagine favorite recent memories – John Cena turning heel, Cody Rhodes’ WrestleMania 40 win – but with voiceovers from Jim Ross. Now that is legendary!

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