While AEW cooled off on hiring former WWE stars in 2025, it is a new year and there could be some new faces arriving soon.
From potential retiring stars that might want to find themselves with more control over their farewells to a top name that could make the leap and make a serious impact in the process — there are some definite intriguing options of who could be next to make the leap.
Here are six WWE stars that could sign with AEW in the future.
6. Shinsuke Nakamura
One current WWE star that could find himself making the leap to AEW in the coming year may be Shinsuke Nakamura.
Perhaps not interested in retiring straight away from WWE, when his current contract with the company expires, he might elect to instead take his retirement run elsewhere.
Able to join the company and likely direct his own farewell tour, he would be able to take on opponents from various promotions that wouldn’t be possible ending his career in WWE.
Locking up with both current AEW talent, former foes from WWE now in AEW as well as icons from NJPW, it might make total sense to see a short stay in AEW ahead of retirement for Nakamura.
Click the next page button below for more
5. Tommaso Ciampa
With reports that Tommaso Ciampa is poised to depart WWE at the end of his current contract, he could end up having an amazing run in AEW.
Able to wrestle in a gritty and technical style that fits in well in AEW, Ciampa certainly brings a veteran experience as well as ongoing ambition.
A frightening force when his character is presented as such, Ciampa could end up being a remarkable addition to the likes of the Death Riders or even a brand new faction of heels.
While it isn’t a given that any former WWE star is picked up by AEW in 2026, it would make total sense for Tony Khan to recruit Ciampa.
Click the next page button below for more
4. AJ Styles
Seemingly the least likely to pop-up in AEW after his time with WWE has come to end, there is still a possibility fans could see AJ Styles in AEW one day.
While it certainly sounds as though Styles is considering retiring from full time in-ring competition, perhaps he may appear in AEW as more of a featured attraction.
Possibly joining for a short run before he hangs up his boots, working with AEW could lead to some intriguing dream matches that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.
Able to compete against those in AEW, ROH, NJPW, CMLL and more — AJ Styles’ retirement tour could end up seemingly spanning across both WWE and AEW.
Click the next page button below for more
3. Bishop Dyer
While Baron Corbin departed WWE back in November 2024 after the end of his last contract with WWE, he is still well known for primarily his time in the company.
Since moving on to sign with MLW and debut a tag team The Skyscrapers with another WWE alum in Donovan Dijak, the duo could certainly make waves in AEW together.
However, it might make even more sense to see Dyer head into AEW in his own singles competition, able to brand out into the other affiliated brands.
Able to bring his veteran skills and in-ring talent to AEW partners like ROH, NJPW or CMLL, Bishop Dyer could be a great get for Tony Khan.
Click the next page button below for more
2. Bayley
One possible defection that could be massive for the future of AEW is Bayley.
Should the former 2x WWE Women’s Champion elect to move on and join the ranks of All Elite Wrestling, there could be some amazing stories still to come from the already veteran star.
Able to have access to potentially more opportunity to self-direct, Bayley could become a foundational member of the next era of the AEW women’s division both in front of the cameras and behind the scenes as she would hopefully find herself engaged in a storyline with Mercedes Mone.
Bayley could find a unique home in AEW for partnership on her future endeavors inside and outside the ring as she looks to shape the next chapter of her career.
Click the next page button below for more
1. Brooks Jensen
One NXT star that could find themselves having a complete re-invention for the better in AEW could be Brooks Jensen.
Given his stature and commitment to the industry, Jensen could definitely be the next underutilized star in WWE NXT to make a big impact in AEW.
Easily introduced as a new bodyguard figure for any number of smarmy heels in AEW at the minute (like MJF, Kyle Fletcher or even Ricochet looking to expand his group), Jensen would have immediate purpose.
Likely still with a lot of upside left in his career, there could be an entirely new chapter ahead for Brooks Jensen in the future.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!
Comments.
Loading comments…