With WWE already picking up several former AEW champions, there could be even more released stars ready to make the leap.
In recent years there have been several AEW talent that find themselves making the switch to WWE after their AEW contracts come to a close with seemingly more set to follow suit.
Here are eight stars that could be headed to WWE after making AEW departures.
8. The Righteous
After having requested their releases from AEW, The Righteous – Vincent and Dutch – were granted departure from the company in April 2025.
While the pair have yet to make any other in-ring appearances since their AEW exit, perhaps they could be waiting to make a WWE debut.
Before they joined AEW, there were rumblings about The Righteous heading to WWE, and Karrion Kross recently stated that at one point there had a been a pitch for Kross and The Righteous to have a group that would be affiliated with Bray Wyatt.
With the Wyatt Sicks continuing to hold to the WWE Tag Team Championship on SmackDown, perhaps there will still be a crossover in the future.
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7. Chris Jericho
Chris Jericho hasn’t been seen on AEW TV since April after he lost the ROH World Championship at AEW Dynasty and abandoned his Learning Tree faction of Big Bill and Bryan Keith on the next episode of Dynamite.
It has been reported recently that Chris Jericho’s contract with AEW is set to expire at the end of 2025 and that he could be open to making a WWE return.
Potentially poised for a 2026 return, Jericho could end up joining CM Punk and Cody Rhodes as major members of the AEW roster who ended up back in WWE.
With John Cena wrapping up his year long farewell tour before in-ring retirement in December, fans could seamlessly direct their nostalgic attention towards the return of Y2J.
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6. Saraya
While she has had an impressive tenure already in WWE as Paige, the inaugural NXT Women’s Champion went on to also find success in AEW.
After suffering what was thought to be a career ending injury in 2017, Paige remained in the company in non-wrestling roles until her departure in 2021.
However, in September 2022 she arrived in AEW and revealed that she had been medically cleared to compete, going on to capture the AEW Women’s World Championship.
Potentially planned to make a return to WWE at some point in the future – even if just for a Royal Rumble surprise – fans would love to see an in-ring return from the Paige character.
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5. Private Party (Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen)
Both Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen could find themselves departing AEW and heading directly for WWE.
After losing the AEW World Tag Team Title to the Hurt Syndicate in January, Private Party have yet to return to TV.
With reports that their contracts with AEW are set to expire in the near future as well as potential interest in the pair from WWE, it would seem likely that they could be snapped up.
While the NXT tag team division is certainly in a rebuilding phase, it would make complete sense for Kassidy & Quen to being their TV ready characters directly to Tuesday nights.
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4. Danhausen
Danhausen remains active in independent wrestling and wrestling-related appearances at conventions even though he hasn’t been seen in AEW since December 2023.
A notable merchandise mover with a well formed and TV-ready character, Danhausen was recently reported to have a fan within WWE with major influence – The Rock.
However, recent reports have indicated that WWE fans may have to wait a while longer before potentially seeing a debut from the Very Nice, Very Evil Danhausen.
It has been reported that he remains under contract with AEW with injury time added to the end of his initial contract term, meaning he’ll remain under contract with AEW into 2026 even though his deal was up this summer.
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3. Leyla Hirsch
One star that failed to take off from the AEW women’s division is Leyla Hirsch.
After departing AEW and Ring of Honor in February 2025, Leyla Hirsch has continued to make appearances on the indies.
Appearing in GCW and Black Label Pro, the powerhouse continues to bring a tenacious spirit to her matches and could definitely find momentum in a new promotion.
With an intriguing personal backstory as well as a commanding presence, she may make a big impact in NXT.
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2. Mike Santana
One former AEW name that departed and has already reinvented himself outside of the company is Mike Santana.
Although Santana continues to make big moves in TNA Wrestling, many fans have theorized that the former AEW star could end up WWE bound in the near future.
Recently teaming with Steve Maclin to take on the duo of NXT star and TNA World Champion Trick Williams and AJ Francis (fka Top Dolla in WWE), Santana picked up a major victory.
Not only did he and Maclin win the bout, but Santana captured victory for his team by pinning Trick Williams.
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1. Abadon
An engaging character that could have done more in AEW was Abadon.
Since returning to indie wrestling, Abadon has appeared for such promotions as GCW, Metroplex Wrestling and Rhodes Wrestling Association.
Able to make an impact in any role, Abadon could make big contributions in NXT.
Bringing veteran in-ring presence, a well-formed character and TV experience, Abadon would be a solid pick-up.
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