Ahead of AEW Worlds End, Tony Khan his thoughts on his approach to signing free agents in 2025 but looking ahead, there are moves to be made in 2026.
From former WWE stars that certainly have proven their abilities outside of the company to new imports from NJPW — there are some potentially interesting new free agents signing with AEW in the near future.
Here are seven potential new free agent signings for AEW.
7. Shotzi Blackheart
After departing WWE at the end of her contract in May 2025, Shotzi Blackheart went on to make a ferocious return to indie wrestling.
Bringing her unique style and character back to independent wrestling, she has continued to gain attention with her appearances across the country.
Bringing not only a veteran perspective but a unique TV ready character to the mix, Shotzi Blackheart could create her own niche within AEW.
Combining in-ring skills with brash sense of humor, there could be a brand new women’s division archetype to evolve in AEW.
Click the next page button below for more
6. David Finlay
One new AEW star that could make their debut at AEW Worlds End is Bullet Club War Dogs leader David Finlay.
A fresh face from NJPW, David Finlay could make a major impact at AEW Worlds End by aligning himself with the Death Riders — or possibly being involved in Jon Moxley being ousted from the group.
The former two-time IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion could become a frightening new force in the group, even if he doesn’t end up falling into a leadership role.
With other opportunities for Finlay to potentially make his debut in AEW in the near future, it might be that he doesn’t end up affiliated with the Death Riders at all.
Click the next page button below for more
5. Enzo Amore (aka Real1)
Continuing to make appearances around indie wrestling, there could be a reunion in the works in AEW for the former Amore and his former tag team partner.
Possibly bringing back a nostalgic vibe to link up with Big Bill, the duo could continue their previously entertaining tag team.
Recently commenting that he had considered AEW and reached out but felt the interest wasn’t reciprocated, he took didn’t seem to harbor specific ill will.
Making for a fun cameo appearance or interference during another bout, it would be enjoyable to see him pop-up in AEW at least once.
Click the next page button below for more
4. Dakota Kai
One of the more shocking WWE releases in 2025 was Dakota Kai in May.
After being one win away from becoming inaugural WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion at the beginning of the year, Kai’s character abruptly disappeared.
After nearly ten years with WWE, Kai could be a solid pick-up for AEW, particularly in light of the recent addition of their AEW Women’s Tag Team Championship .
Having held both the NXT and WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship during her tenure in that company — there could be some interesting new stories ahead in AEW if she were to link up with a new tag team partner.
Click the next page button below for more
3. Hammerstone
With MJF looking to reclaim his AEW World Championship at Worlds End, it could be that he calls in some re-enforcements.
Potentially looking to a former ally from the past, Alexander Hammerstone could be a perfect hired gun for MJF.
Bringing his impressive stature as well as in-ring abilities, he wouldn’t need to stay relegated to a sidekick role for long but rather more like a dangerous ally.
Possibly a move that could come back to haunt him later in his reign, MJF may end up bringing about his own demise bringing in a dangerous new star.
Click the next page button below for more
2. The Skyscrapers
A pair of former WWE stars that have gone on to find success in a new tag team together are Bishop Dyer and Donovan Dijak.
The former Baron Corbin and Dijak left WWE in 2024 and embarked on a new journey across both indie wrestling.
Going on to capture the MLW Tag Team Championship, the duo could also come in as a new pair of allies in the main event of Worlds End.
Potentially joining the ranks in AEW as backup on behalf of MJF in order to ensure his victory for the AEW World Championship — the pair could continue to be his henchmen for the foreseeable future.
Click the next page button below for more
1. Beth Copeland
Beth Copeland (formerly known as Beth Phoenix in WWE) ended up taking a Spike Piledriver from FTR after having made a brief appearance at AEW All Out 2025,
Taking time off after the vicious post-match attack, it could be that Adam Copeland could return with a vengeance and his wife by his side at AEW Worlds End 2025.
Reuniting on-screen with Christian Cage, the legendary team could be a special surprise for FTR who are set for a fascinating stipulation match at the event.
Putting the titles on the line against the Bang Bang Gang in a Chicago Street Fight there will be no rules — leaving the perfect space for a big interference.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!
Comments.
Loading comments…