There is little doubt that AEW has a stacked roster, but despite this proverbial embarrassment of riches, the company continues to add names.
This year alone has seen Josh Alexander and “Speedball” Mike Bailey sign after departing TNA, Mina Shirakawa make a full-time move from STARDOM in Japan, and Kevin Knight arrive from New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Undoubtedly, more are on their way before the year is out. Here are seven names we could soon see receive the official “is #AllElite” graphic.
7. Shotzi Blackheart
After her recent WWE departure, Shotzi Blackheart appeared on Ariel Helwani’s show on June 10, where she notably stated that AEW is the company she’s most interested in joining full-time.
Blackheart exudes natural charisma and possesses a relentless in-ring work ethic – a combination that would undoubtedly add depth to AEW’s women’s division.
She’s already set to return to the indies where she first made her name, with multiple GCW dates lined up.
Perhaps we could see Shotzi make her AEW debut this summer.
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6. Gabe Kidd
New Japan Pro-Wrestling star Gabe Kidd has made several appearances on AEW programming in 2025.
The company clearly holds Kidd in high regard, even placing him in the semi main event at the recent Double or Nothing PPV in the Anarchy in the Arena match
Bringing a level of intensity rarely seen in this generation of performers, 2025 has truly been a breakout year for the 28-year-old Brit — highlighted by his widely celebrated match with Kenny Omega at NJPW’s Wrestle Dynasty in January, considered by many the match of the year so far
It appears inevitable that Kidd will eventually sign with AEW full-time – the only question is when.
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5. Dakota Kai
Dakota Kai was released from her WWE contract in May – marking the end of her second stint with the company.
After her first run ended in April 2022, it was reported she was in talks to join AEW; something that never came to pass, as she quickly re-signed with WWE when Paul Levesque (Triple H) took charge, returning as part of Damage CTRL at SummerSlam 2022.
As one of the top-tier female workers in North America, she’s unlikely to be short on suitors once her no-compete clause ends.
This time, it seems likely that she’ll finally make the jump and appear on AEW programming in the near future.
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4. Ace Austin
Ace Austin officially entered free agency this week following his departure from TNA.
In his six-year run with the company, he became a multi-time X-Division and tag team champion — arguably, however, his full potential was never truly realised.
With exciting, polished in-ring work and underrated charisma, Austin was never quite given the opportunity to break through as a main event star with TNA.
Now he’s a free agent, AEW could sign the 28-year-old and provide him with the platform to fulfil that potential.
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3. Shayna Baszler
Shayna Baszler was another of WWE’s May releases, and in the wake of being let go, she fired off an incendiary assessment, declaring: “No one can offer what I offer. Reality. Let the Galaxy burn.”
Certainly, the sentiment holds weight – Baszler is a wholly unique performer: from her grappling-heavy, MMA-influenced in-ring style to the intensity she brings, few women in wrestling today offer her level of legitimacy.
Like Dakota Kai, Baszler won’t be short of suitors, but AEW seems the most likely destination.
If signed, Baszler could genuinely “offer” something different and valuable to AEW’s women’s roster.
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2. Katsuhiko Nakajima
There were strong rumours in late 2023 that Japanese hard-striking star Katsuhiko Nakajima could be on his way to the US, with both AEW and WWE named as potential destinations.
Tony Khan even acknowledged interest in the former GHC Heavyweight and AJPW Triple Crown Champion during the WrestleDream PPV press conference.
Since then, things have gone quiet and Nakajima has instead been plying his trade in Japan’s GLEAT promotion.
One of the most uniquely charismatic and technically gifted in-ring performers in the world, signing Nakajima would further strengthen AEW’s already stacked roster.
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1. Zack Sabre Jr.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling star Zack Sabre Jr. lost the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in February to Hirooki Goto.
Having now spent nearly a decade in the promotion – and having won its top title – Sabre currently finds himself without a clear direction.
Arguably, it’s time for a change of scenery and the British grappling savant is no stranger to AEW, having battled Bryan Danielson at WrestleDream 2023 and appeared at Wembley for last year’s All In.
With the strong working relationship between AEW and NJPW, could we soon see Sabre Jr. make a full-time move?
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