The Hurt Syndicate, formerly known as the Hurt Business in WWE, have quickly become one of the hottest and most entertaining acts on AEW television.
As a former WWE stable, they’ve connected strongly with the AEW audience, proving that acts from the rival promotion can thrive when booked effectively.
Their success raises an interesting question: which other former-WWE stars could find similar success in AEW?
Here are six stars who could make a big impact if given the opportunity.
6. Cedric Alexander
Speaking of the Hurt Syndicate, in their initial popular incarnation as the Hurt Business in WWE, Cedric Alexander rounded out the stable.
Released from WWE in February this year, Alexander had played a key role in the faction, alongside MVP, Bobby Lashley, and Shelton Benjamin.
His crisp in-ring style and innovative high-flying offence added a distinct dimension to the group.
Now, with the Hurt Syndicate’s success in AEW, the question arises: could Alexander join forces with the unit once again?
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5. Ronda Rousey
Former WWE Women’s Champion and UFC World Champion Ronda Rousey remains one of the most iconic female athletes of all time.
After leaving WWE in October 2023 following a second run, Rousey didn’t fully walk away from the squared circle.
She made a seemingly random appearance on Ring of Honor’s Honor Club programming, teaming with longtime friend Marina Shafir.
With Shafir now involved in AEW’s top storyline with Jon Moxley and the Death Riders, Rousey’s potential addition to the company could be a game-changer at the top of the card.
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4. Davey Boy Smith Jr. (Harry Smith)
The son of the British Bulldog, Davey Boy Smith Jr was released from his second stint in WWE in July 2021, after only having a single dark match.
In the interim period, the talented member of the Hart family has continued to showcase his wrestling skills, competing around the world.
Most notably, the 39-year-old has wrestled for the historic All Japan Pro Wrestling, where he captured the prestigious Triple Crown Championship, one of the most iconic titles in professional wrestling.
An appearance in AEW, challenging the winner of the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, would be a powerful way to make an entrance for Davey Boy Smith Jr.
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3. The IInspiration (The IIconics)
One of the bigger surprises during the independent shows around WrestleMania week was the reception that The IInspiration – the former IIconics – received at Prestige Wrestling’s excellent Nothing to Lose event.
Cassie Lee and Jessica McKay – formerly Peyton Royce and Billie Kay, respectively – defeated WWE ID prospect Kylie Rae and Nicole Matthews, teaming together for the first time in three years.
In their return, the pair showcased the charisma that made them a compelling act during their runs in WWE and TNA.
With AEW lacking a dedicated women’s tag title, The IInspiration could be an entertaining and valuable addition to help fill out the division.
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2. Bea Priestley (Blair Davenport)
Bea Priestley, WWE’s Blair Davenport, was released in February after a four-year stint with the company, which included time in NXT UK, NXT, and SmackDown.
Despite a handful of memorable matches, in particular her bouts with legendary Meiko Satomura, she never fully showcased the standout talent she demonstrated in Japan.
In Stardom, the top Joshi promotion, Priestley captured the prestigious World of Stardom Championship.
With AEW’s women’s division heating up, she could provide a fresh challenge to top stars like Mercedes Moné and Toni Storm, adding depth and skill to the roster.
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1. The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows)
Another WWE release in February was veteran tag team The Good Brothers, following their second stint with the company (Gallows’ third).
Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows were last seen in AEW during the pandemic era when the company was partnering with TNA Wrestling.
With rumors circulating that the team will reunite with their former Bullet Club stablemates, the Young Bucks, at New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Resurgence event on May 9, the anticipation builds.
The big question now is whether we’ll see the Good Brothers align with the Bucks and make a return to AEW programming soon.
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