After the announcement of many different WWE departures in 2025, fans often wonder if their favorites could be headed for AEW next.
From departures that were relatively surprising, to other names that didn’t get the chance to take off on TV — there are some interesting names up for grabs that AEW could sign.
Here are nine released WWE stars that could join AEW.
9. Wes Lee
One of the more surprising recent releases from WWE was that of former NXT North American Champion & 2x NXT Tag Team Champion, Wes Lee.
Already taking to social media to confirm that he will be accepting bookings later this month when he returns to free agency — Dezmond Xavier could find his way to AEW very soon.
Alternatively, Xavier could elect to go to TNA Wrestling where he presumably still has built-in storylines to tell with the members of former faction The Rascalz.
Still with a ton of upside, Xavier’s connection with audiences coupled with his epic in-ring skills and high flying abilities should make him a shoo-in for a new role soon.
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8. Zayda Steel
A standout from the inaugural group of WWE ID recruits from independent promotions, Zayda Steel would go on to do more in WWE.
Appearing on WWE Evolve in the heel stable The Vanity Project, Steel impressed with her in-ring skills as well as character work.
While she was not ‘released’, she announced her departure on social media in October with note that she elected not to renew her WWE ID contract.
Definitely able to join AEW and make an impact, it would seem that Steel will continue to pursue her professional wrestling goals.
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7. Drako Knox
Already rebranding as Drake Starks, the former NXT recruit formerly known as Drako Knox could be AEW bound in the near future.
Possibly flipping over to AEW, he could end up joining the Tony Khan owned company early enough to find creative footing.
With a solid foundation of wrestling skills, he could easily see a character reinvention in AEW or ROH, one that could bring much more acclaim than his limited role in NXT.
Knox not arriving to much fanfare may be to his and AEW’s benefit as they could repackage and debut him in any spot across their multitude of TV shows.
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6. Cedric Alexander
Nine years after signing with WWE in 2016, Cedric Alexander was released in February 2025.
While Alexander would go on to join TNA Wrestling over the summer, and even make a WWE NXT return via TNA’s invasion of the brand, it was recently revealed that his contract was due to expire in October.
Having noted publicly that he wanted to spend some time in TNA to reinvent himself, it would seem perhaps Alexander could be headed to AEW at long last.
With AEW fans still hopeful they’ll see the reunion of the complete Hurt Syndicate — with the original WWE Hurt Business stable also containing Cedric Alexander — we’ll have to keep an eye on this signing.
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5. Stevie Turner
With a solid background in NXT UK before joining NXT and Evolve, it would seem that there could be a role for Stevie Turner in AEW.
Poised to return to action under her former in-ring name Bobbi Tyler, the former indie star seems poised to return to action outside of WWE.
While AEW seems like a likely landing place for Tyler, she could also elect to return to STARDOM or even strike out in TNA Wrestling.
An experienced worker with an engaging on-screen presence, it seems there would be a lot of intriguing options for the former Stevie Turner should she sign with AEW.
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4. Lance Anoa’i
After signing to WWE in July 2024, Lance Anoa’i picked up an injury and would ultimately end up being released in October 2025.
Although he never made an official in-ring debut in WWE, Lance Anoa’i could be an intriguing pick-up for AEW.
As an actual member of the Bloodline’s Anoa’i family, the former MLW star could definitely find a home in another promotion.
Vowing to continue his journey in professional wrestling, it would be a headline grabbing moment to see the debut of Lance Anoa’i in AEW.
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3. Dakota Kai
WWE fans were surprised when it was revealed in May that Dakota Kai had been released from her contract with the company.
An industry veteran, Kai was involved in a storyline that saw her chasing the inaugural WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship just months ahead of her release.
A decorated tag team competitor, it could be an amazing time for Dakota Kai to arrive in AEW with the introduction of the AEW Women’s Tag Team Championship.
While her next moves are not yet known, fans would love see something big up next for the former Dakota Kai.
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2. Good Brothers
Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, the Good Brothers, were both released by WWE earlier this year.
Between their prior WWE release in 2020 and their return in 2022, the duo spent a period of time working on AEW TV, forming the Super Elite with the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega.
Following their most recent release from WWE, their first match saw them team with the Bucks against the Bullet Club War Dogs at NJPW Resurgence.
Evidently still keen to work with the Young Bucks, perhaps we could see the Good Brothers back in AEW soon.
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1. Isla Dawn
Former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Isla Dawn was released by the company earlier this year.
A few months later, she debuted on AEW TV in her home country of Scotland.
While she hasn’t been announced as signing with the promotion, she has been appearing consistently in ROH alongside the Grizzled Young Veterans.
If she isn’t under contract as of yet, it seems like it’s just a matter of time.
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