On the 16 August edition of Collision, AEW is set to officially add another name to its roster, with Ace Austin becoming #AllElite.
Austin had announced his free agency at the start of June, leaving TNA Wrestling after a six-year run that saw him capture both the X-Division and Tag Team Titles on three occasions.
The talented 28-year-old further bolsters AEW’s already stacked roster of in-ring performers, but the question now is who could be next?
Here are six more stars who could soon sign with AEW.
6. Mistico
CMLL’s Mistico is not only the biggest star in his home promotion and in Mexico, but arguably the hottest star in the entire wrestling world.
The Mexican promotion continues to sell out Arena Mexico each week — the hottest period in the 69-year history of the building, according to the Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer — and much of this repeat success is down to Mistico.
Given how important Mistico is to CMLL, and AEW’s partnership with the promotion, it is unlikely he will sign with Tony Khan’s company full-time, though a deal similar to Hechicero’s recent dual CMLL-AEW contract could see him split time between both companies.
With WWE now owning its own lucha libre promotion in AAA and wanting Mexico’s biggest stars, a dual contract between AEW and CMLL could be the key to keeping Mistico away from the bigger promotion.
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5. AZM
Stardom’s 22-year-old wunderkind AZM is already widely considered one of the best women’s wrestlers in the world.
A unique in-ring performer, she wrestles at lightning speed that sets her apart from almost anyone in pro-wrestling — male or female — while possessing the natural likeability of a top babyface.
She is also the only person to have inflicted a title loss on Mercedes Moné since the AEW star’s return in May 2024, defeating Moné and Mina Shirakawa in a three-way at NJPW’s Resurgence to capture the NJPW Strong Women’s Title.
Given her level of talent and ready-made storyline with Moné, could we soon see AZM become #AllElite?
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4. Zandokan Jr.
On August 15, MJF returned to Mexico to defend his Light-Heavyweight Championship in CMLL, taking on third-generation luchador Zandokan Jr.
Ultimately unsuccessful in his attempt, Zandokan Jr. is one of CMLL’s most talented performers — taller than most luchadores, the pirate gimmick-sporting star exudes palpable charisma.
Unlike many of his fellow CMLL performers he has yet to appear for partner promotion AEW, but with more eyes on him after a main event bout with MJF, that seems likely to change soon.
With clear potential as a top star, Zandokan Jr. could be the next name signed to a dual CMLL/AEW contract.
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3. Starlight Kid
During his August 8 appearance on Barstool Sports’ My Mom’s Basement podcast, AEW’s owner and booker Tony Khan listed his favourite non-AEW wrestlers.
One of the names on his list was Stardom’s Starlight Kid.
Currently the Wonder of Stardom Champion, the masked star is one of the top names in Japan’s number one joshi promotion, and, amazingly, at just 23 years old she already has nine years of in-ring experience.
At 4’11”, she is incredibly unique, uber-charismatic, and an exceptional in-ring performer, making her an incredible potential get for AEW — whether Stardom would want to lose her to their partner promotion is another matter, however.
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2. Zack Sabre Jr.
Another name on Tony Khan’s list was Zack Sabre Jr.
The British grappler is currently the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, the most prestigious belt in Japanese wrestling.
His recent run in NJPW’s G1-Climax tournament has seen him deliver outstanding singles performances night after night, demonstrating why he is considered one of the best — if not the best — in-ring performer in the world.
At 38, the British star has already appeared in AEW on several occasions and is set to defend his title at Forbidden Door against fellow countryman Nigel McGuinness — the question is whether a full-time move to the American promotion could be on the near horizon.
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1. Gabe Kidd
British star Gabe Kidd has had a noteworthy year, punctuated by incredible highs as well as some marked lows in his home promotion NJPW.
On 5 January at NJPW’s Dynasty, the 28-year-old had the breakout match of his career in a widely celebrated Match of the Year contender against Kenny Omega, followed by a standout in-ring feud with Yota Tsuji that saw him capture the IWGP Global Title, only to suffer an injury in his first G1-Climax bout against AEW’s Konosuke Takeshita and be forced to relinquish the belt.
This year has also seen the Nottingham-born brawler take a prominent role in AEW as part of the Death Riders faction, competing in the chaotic and memorable Anarchy in the Arena match at Double or Nothing and now set to return from injury at Forbidden Door in London.
Given the spotlight he has been given on AEW, the company clearly has their eye on the super-talented Brit, and while his move feels inevitable, the question is how soon it happens.
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