In wrestling, sometimes another man’s trash becomes another man’s treasure. In the case of AEW and WWE, some stars have gone back and forth between companies, and the same could happen soon.
The Stamford-based promotion’s latest batch of releases has opened the eyes of both fans and names and the industry alike, as several popular names are set to hit free agency in the coming months. As early as now, some of them are speculated to be pursued by AEW when available.
These names are subject to the 90-day no-compete clause as part of their contracts, which means that they are only free to negotiate with other companies by late July. With All In 2026 taking place in August, Tony Khan could sign some names and have them debut at the company’s biggest stage. Here are some names that he could bring in.
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#1 and #2. Kofi and Austin Creed
It is no secret that AEW may be a frontrunner in signing the New Day once they hit free agency. Several stars on the roster have a history with the duo and could push for them to be signed.
Fightful Select recently reported that at least more than a dozen within the promotion are pushing for them to be signed. It was also mentioned that no one had any objections to this idea.
Tony Khan could have them make their debut appearance at All In and confront the Elite. They have had a playful rivalry outside the ring and have even faced off during video game conventions. They could weave out a storyline by having them have a face-to-face encounter in AEW.
#3. Kairi Sane
Kairi Sane is another name that could draw a lot of interest from companies around the world. She may receive offers from promotions in the United States and Japan. Before returning to WWE in 2023, Kairi had a brief run back in the Land of the Rising Sun. She competed for several companies, including Stardom and NJPW.
AEW could approach her, given that she has a lot of experience taking on several women on its roster. She could finally end up being in the same company as the likes of Mina Shirakawa, Thekla, and Mercedes Moné, whom she has faced off with in the past.
The Toxic Spider recently claimed that the Japanese star would be a good fit for their roster. With a top name like her vouching for Kairi, Tony Khan could be one of those to reach out to her when she officially becomes a free agent. He could have her debut at All In as part of the Women’s Casino Gauntlet match, which has become a yearly tradition for the pay-per-view.
#4. and #5. Motor City Machine Guns finally sign with AEW
After their contract with TNA expired in 2024, the original belief was that Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley were signing with AEW. But plans pivoted, and they ended up choosing to go to WWE instead. They spent around one and a half years with the company before being released a few weeks ago.
After they serve their 90-days of no competition, Tony Khan could finally go after the duo. It was reported a few weeks ago that TNA has left its doors open for them to return, but they believe that they will end up with the Jacksonville-based promotion.
They could make their long-awaited appearance at All In 2026 as official members of the roster.
As of now, only time will tell if AEW decides to bring these individuals in. For the majority of them, there is a great chance that the company will pursue them, but in the end, it remains to be seen if there ends up being mutual interest.
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Edited by Enzo Curabo
