WWE has made several rounds of talent cuts and releases in 2025, with former champions and popular stars among those who have exited the company.
While AEW’s roster is bursting at the seams, but there are still names on the market that they may opt to attempt to sign.
Below are five former WWE champions we could soon see turn up on AEW programming.
5. Dakota Kai
Dakota Kai was released from WWE for the second time in May this year – a surprising move, given her spot in the popular Damage CTRL faction.
A two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, Kai is one of the most talented female in-ring performers on the market.
Arguably underutilised in WWE, she could instantly add depth to AEW’s women’s division – either as a challenger for the winner of Toni Storm vs. Mercedes Moné, or as the one to finally dethrone Athena in ROH.
A move to AEW for the 37-year-old feels more likely than not.
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4. Cedric Alexander
The Hurt Syndicate have proven a hugely popular act in AEW.
The group recently added a major new name in MJF, but there’s still one key member missing: Cedric Alexander.
A former WWE Tag Team Champion with Shelton Benjamin and Cruiserweight Champion in his own right, Cedric is unquestionably a talented performer.
Now free from his non-compete following his WWE release, could we soon see him take his rightful place back in the group? A recent report has suggested TNA may instead be his destination, but we will have to wait and see what happens.
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3. R-Truth
There was significant backlash from both WWE fans and performers when news broke that R-Truth’s contract was not being renewed.
The live crowd protested, chanting his name during this week’s Raw, NXT and SmackDown – something not witnessed for any other talent departure in recent memory.
A comedic talent, the 53-year-old has proven to be a beloved figure to wrestling audiences.
Could we soon see the 53-time 24/7 Champion appear in AEW? Whether he continues his comedic gimmick from WWE or reverts to a more serious version of himself once again, Truth could still offer a lot to Tony Khan’s company.
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2. The Good Brothers
Former two-time WWE Raw Tag Team Champions, The Good Brothers were released from their second stint with WWE back in February.
The veteran team have appeared in AEW before, joining their former Bullet Club brethren Kenny Omega during the pandemic-era TNA crossover.
Moreover, the team of Luke Gallows and “Machine Gun” Karl Anderson have strong ties to AEW, being friends with company EVPs The Young Bucks.
Ever an entertaining act, we could soon see the Good Brothers throwing up their “Too Sweet” in AEW once again.
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1. Shayna Baszler
Shayna Baszler was another surprising name among the talent releases WWE made at the beginning of May.
A two-time NXT Women’s Champion and three-time Women’s Tag Team Champion, she cut a unique figure in WWE women’s division.
Her realistic, MMA-rooted style and ultra-intense presence would fit perfectly with the violent vibe of the Death Riders.
A former Four Horsewomen of MMA member alongside Marina Shafir, Baszler feels like a natural addition to AEW’s top faction.
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