On the sixth anniversary edition of AEW Dynamite, Andrade El Idolo made his return to the company by attacking Kenny Omega and seemingly joining forces with The Don Callis Family. His appearance came just weeks after his release from WWE, and has once again opened up discussion about which other former WWE performers could potentially make their way to AEW.
With several wrestlers recently becoming free agents, here is a look at eight names that could join him and why they could be a fit for AEW.
Karrion Kross and Scarlett
The WWE departures of Karrion Kross and Scarlett have been a significant topic of conversation among wrestling fans. WWE confirmed their status as free agents by moving both of their profiles to the alumni section of its official website. Kross is a two-time former NXT Champion, and the duo’s cinematic and menacing presentation could offer a unique dynamic to the AEW roster. Given the number of major AEW events remaining in the year, their arrival could make an immediate impact.
Braun Strowman
Braun Strowman is a free agent once again after being released from his WWE contract for a second time. “The Monster Among Monsters” was previously let go before being rehired by the Triple H-led creative team. During his time in WWE, Strowman achieved main event status and won the WWE Universal Championship. His name recognition and established character as a dominant force would position him as a credible threat to anyone in AEW.
Dakota Kai
Released from her WWE contract in May, Dakota Kai has yet to make an appearance for another major promotion since her non-compete clause expired. Kai, who made a name for herself on the independent circuit as Evie, was a member of the Damage CTRL faction in WWE and is a multi-time Women’s Tag Team Champion. Her extensive in-ring experience would make her a valuable addition to the AEW women’s division, either as a singles competitor or as a key figure in the expected women’s tag team division.
Jazmyn Nyx
Jazmyn Nyx’s departure from WWE came after she reportedly refused to sign a new contract offer from the company. She was featured on NXT as part of the Fatal Influence faction, where she displayed considerable charisma. While still gaining in-ring experience, a new environment like AEW could provide her with the opportunity to further develop her skillset and on-screen character away from the WWE system.
Priscilla Kelly
Formerly known as Gigi Dolin in NXT, Priscilla Kelly was released from her WWE contract in May. Since her 90-day non-compete clause ended, she has returned to the independent circuit and recently competed in Japan for Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling at their WrestlePrincess VI event. Given AEW’s past working relationship with TJPW and Kelly’s experience on a national stage with NXT, a future appearance in AEW seems possible.
Lacey Lane
Lacey Lane, who performed in WWE as Kayden Carter, was also released in May. She has already appeared for Ring of Honor, AEW’s sister promotion, where she challenged Mina Shirakawa for the Interim Women’s Television Championship. Having already performed on a show produced by Tony Khan, Lane is clearly on the company’s radar. She is a former NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, and her talent was often praised by fans during her WWE tenure.
Shayna Baszler
The release of two-time NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler was considered by many to be one of the year’s most surprising. A dominant force in NXT, Baszler is also known for her legitimate MMA background as one of the Four Horsewomen of MMA. Her real-life friendship and shared history with current AEW wrestler Marina Shafir present a natural storyline opportunity for the two to reunite, especially with a new women’s tag team division on the horizon.
