AEW continues to bolster its ever-expanding roster.
2025 has already seen the signings of standout stars like “Speedball” Mike Bailey, Kevin Knight, Josh Alexander, Mina Shirakawa and Thekla.
Here are eight more names we could realistically see join AEW in the near future.
8. Gigi Dolin / Priscilla Kelly
Gigi Dolin was part of the recent wave of WWE releases, ending her four-year run with NXT.
With independent dates already lined up – including appearances for top US indie GCW – she looks ready to hit the ground running.
During her WWE tenure, she consistently stood out with her character and personality, becoming a two-time NXT Tag Team Champion in Toxic Attraction, but she never really reached the same heights after the break-up of the group.
A move to AEW’s women’s division could be the reset she needs, with potential matches against Mercedes Moné, Toni Storm, Willow Nightingale, and Kris Statlander offering the chance to finally showcase her full in-ring potential to a mass audience.
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7. Kaito Kiyomiya
Pro Wrestling NOAH’s 28-year-old star Kaito Kiyomiya came up short in his GHC Heavyweight Championship challenge against reigning champion OZAWA on May 18.
Before the match, the wildly popular heel champion OZAWA had declared that if Kiyomiya lost, he would be forced to leave the company.
Once considered the ace of NOAH, Kiyomiya’s position has become uncertain, with the rise of OZAWA coinciding with the fanbase turning its back on him.
An incredibly gifted in-ring performer – arguably one of the best in the world – Kiyomiya would be a tremendous signing for AEW, as a company that continues to prioritise elite-level work rate.
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6. Man Like Dereiss
28-year-old British performer Man Like Dereiss was a standout across the independent shows during WrestleMania week, delivering a critically-acclaimed bout against tag partner and fellow Brit Leon Slater at ASÉ Vegas.
His strong run of form continued into May, when he won PROGRESS Wrestling’s Super Strong Style 16 – the most prestigious tournament in British indie wrestling – defeating Slater in an excellent final.
Markedly improving in the ring, Dereiss also possesses undeniable charisma and natural star presence.
A free agent for now, it’s hard to imagine he’ll stay that way much longer – AEW would be wise to get his name on the dotted line.
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5. Shayna Baszler
Shayna Baszler was another notable name among WWE’s recent releases.
A former professional mixed martial artist, she brings a level of presence and in-ring believability few others can match – something she demonstrated in her hard-hitting bout with Stardom’s Konami at Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport over WrestleMania week.
As part of the Horsewomen of MMA alongside Ronda Rousey, Jessamyn Duke and Marina Shafir, her real-life connection to Shafir makes a move to AEW feel likely.
Once her non-compete clause expires, she could be a perfect fit for the Death Riders faction, adding further grit and legitimacy to the group.
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4. Dakota Kai
Arguably the most surprising of WWE’s recent releases was Damage CTRL member Dakota Kai.
Kai is one of the most talented in-ring female wrestlers in North America, with undeniable charisma to match.
Underutilised in WWE, she could immediately elevate AEW’s women’s division – either as a challenger for one of the two main women’s titles or as the one to finally end Athena’s historic ROH title reign.
A move to AEW seems likely, and sooner rather than later.
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3. AJ Styles
AJ Styles appears to be moving toward the final chapter of his career, having openly discussed the possibility of retirement.
Widely regarded as one of the best wrestlers of the past 25 years, the question now is whether he wants to end his career with a host of dream matches – including bouts against Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay, both of whom he shares history with and who have publicly expressed interest in facing him.
Speculation continues to swirl around Styles’ contract status, with his future currently up in the air.
If he does leave WWE, there’s a strong argument that Styles – as the spiritual forefather of the AEW style – could light up the company like no other potential signing.
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2. Mike D Vecchio
28-year-old Belgian wrestler Mike D Vecchio has been turning heads with his recent performances.
Over WrestleMania week, he was another of the standout indie talents, appearing on multiple shows – including a jaw-dropping spot at GCW’s Joey Janela’s Clusterf**k, where he took a powerbomb off the top of a cage through a table from Gringo Loco.
More impressively, his recent tour with All Japan Pro Wrestling, where he competed in the prestigious Champion Carnival, showcasing his ability to work the demanding, hard-hitting style of the promotion.
With a combination of intense in-ring presence and undeniable charisma, Vecchio appears ready-made for television, and with reported interest from WWE, he’d be an excellent signing for AEW.
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1. Eddy Thorpe / Karl Fredericks
After a three-year run with WWE, Eddy Thorpe was recently released by the company without ever making it to the main roster.
Previously known as Karl Fredericks in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, he was highly touted as a rising Western star expected to receive a major push.
Inarguably talented in the ring, the 34-year-old – who has previously appeared on an episode of AEW Dark – would be a worthy addition to AEW’s roster.
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