With AEW having demonstrated the ability to successfully execute compelling retirement stories, there are more WWE legends who could consider signing.
There are certainly a number of notable names from WWE that could find themselves in AEW, but those with legendary status could offer invaluable experience to what is still a very young company.
Here are six WWE legends that could possibly sign with AEW.
6. Beth Phoenix
WWE Hall of Famer Beth Phoenix surprised fans when she revealed that her contract with WWE had expired in the Summer of 2024.
While she remains a free agent, many fans still hold out hope that she could join her husband Adam Copeland (Cope) in AEW.
With Cope being written off TV at the hands of an attack by FTR at AEW Dynasty in April, perhaps Phoenix could show up alongside “The Rated R Superstar” when he returns to television.
With FTR partnered in the interim with Stokely Hathaway, it would be a fun surprise to see a potential interference foiled by “The Glamazon” arriving in the company.
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5. AJ Styles
Recently it was reported that AJ Styles signed a one-year contract extension with WWE.
While it seems as if Styles will retire in WWE – in professional wrestling, anything is possible.
Entirely free to retire in WWE and then appear in AEW, it is possible but perhaps not probable there would be a fast turnaround for AJ Styles showing up for one final run in Tony Khan’s company.
With an absolute abundance of dream matches available to him should he make the move to AEW, it is certainly an exciting possibility.
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4. Kurt Angle
Kurt Angle hasn’t been in active in-ring competition since 2019, but that hasn’t stopped fans from continuing to hope for his return to a consistent role on TV.
While Angle has commented in the past that he fielded an offer from AEW only to decide to decline, perhaps a return to the spotlight would be intriguing.
Able to function as an effective nostalgic figure, Kurt Angle would make an incredible fun foe to any of AEW’s young heels but would particularly be amusing sparring with MJF, even if its just verbally, as a manager to a younger star.
While rumors continue to fly that Chris Jericho could be out as AEW’s elder stateman, perhaps Kurt Angle could fill the role.
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3. Mick Foley
Recently dispelling rumors that he is under some sort of big money ambassador contract with WWE, Mick Foley made a clarification.
Confirming that he was under a legends contract, he made note that he wouldn’t still be travelling 200 days a year if he were being paid over 2.5 million dollars per year as was speculated.
Elsewhere in the same interview, Foley spoke highly of AEW star MJF – touting his abilities.
While Foley has ruled out an in-ring return, he remains a beloved figure in professional wrestling that perhaps could go the way of Jake the Snake and Billy Gunn – both of whom also have WWE legends deals for merchandising purposes and also AEW talent contracts.
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2. Haku
Haku is a legend in professional wrestling for his career that not only spanned WWF and WCW but also provided an abundance of stories from his peers regarding his real life toughness.
The legendary star appeared at WWE WrestleMania 41 to celebrate with Jacob Fatu after he won the United States Championship – but he actually has made a similar surpise appearance in AEW in the past.
Popping up in 2021 at AEW Fight for the Fallen, he accompanied Hikuleo (now named Talla Tonga in WWE) to the ring for a loss against Lance Archer for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship.
Haku remains in periodic competition as a freelancer. Despite the familial ties to WWE – perhaps Haku would be interested in having a run in AEW.
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1. Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey shocked fans when she made an appearance in a tag team match alongside Marina Shafir against Athena and Billie Starkz on an episode of ROH on HonorClub in 2023.
While Rousey has been posting about training recently, she went on to share that it wasn’t for any specific in-ring return plans but rather for fitness.
However, if AEW were to pick up Ronda Rousey it would be a huge addition to a growing women’s division.
Given Rousey’s legitimate friendship with Marina Shafir, perhaps Rousey could factor into a wild finish for the upcoming Texas Death Match between Jon Moxley and Hangman Adam Page for the AEW World Championship.
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