Over the last couple of years, AEW has lost a lot of momentum and ground to WWE. The company’s creative decisions have turned off not just fans but also wrestlers on the roster. It has led to a mass exodus of talent seeking greener pastures in WWE. In just the last six months, Ethan Page, Ricky Saints, Penta, and Rey Fenix have switched sides, and Miro and Malakai Black are rumored to be next.
With that in mind, let’s look at nine current AEW stars that could follow their former co-workers to the number one company in all of professional wrestling in the near future.
Jay White
Jay White was one of the anchors of NJPW following the departures of Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks, and Adam Page. And he filled the void admirably, especially as the new leader of the Bullet Club. However, he has been a mid-card talent at best in AEW. The New Zealander was on WWE’s radar when he hit free agency, but the unexpected return of Vince McMahon in 2023 is rumored to have scrapped plans to sign him.
White is an extremely talented performer who could become a household name under WWE’s guidance. He knows that and is surely looking to switch sides when he becomes available.
Big Bill
The man once known as Big Cass is in the best shape of his career and solid asset in AEW. However, it seems like he has hit a ceiling. And he is stuck as a tag team wrestler or a lackey to Chris Jericho. WWE does not have as many big men as they once did following the retirements and departures of the Undertaker, Kane, and Big Show.
Big Bill still has a ton of untapped potential. He could be a useful talent on the main roster, but with NXT on fire, Bill could be an intriguing monster for the black and gold brand.
Wardlow
Does anyone know where Wardlow is? A few years ago, the AEW original was turning into one of the brand’s most marketable stars. Yet, when he wasn’t able to play off of MJF, the company’s creative team had no idea what to do with him. Over the last couple of years, he has been sidelined for no good reason. And there is no doubt he is itching for an exodus from his purgatory. As a performer in NXT, he would immediately be a main eventer. And could play a similar role as Bron Breakker when he was one of the faces of the developmental brand.
Mariah May
Mariah May is a talent from Japan that AEW deserves credit for turning into a household name in the US. She has been stellar in her role and has become one of the anchors of their women’s division. You can bet that WWE talent evaluators have taken notice of that. A recent rumor claimed she would be a free agent this year. If WWE comes calling with a serious offer, it will be hard for her not to consider taking her talents to the top promotion just as she enters her prime.
Powerhouse Hobbs
Powerhouse Hobbs has gotten more opportunities than Wardlow, but they are very similar performers. And they also both have been typecast by AEW boss Tony Khan. He can’t seem to see Wardlow or Hobbs as more than what he has allowed them to be. Can Hobbs be a world champion? Probably not. But that doesn’t mean he can’t be a marketable star competing for top titles and winning secondary belts. He would get that chance in WWE.
Austin and Colten Gunn
As the sons of WWE Hall of Famer Billy Gunn, Austin and Colten Gunn seem ready-made for WWE. It just feels like a matter of time before they look to do what their father did many times. And become a champion in WWE. They would be a fantastic addition to what is quickly becoming a strong tag division on both Raw and Smackdown.
Britt Baker
It sure seems like Britt Baker’s run in AEW is coming to an end. She has separated from long-time boyfriend Adam Cole. And issues with co-workers backstage have seemingly put her in Khan’s doghouse, as the former women’s champ has been a healthy scratch for months. Rumors during the summer claimed WWE is interested if she becomes available. With AEW moving on from talent they aren’t using to cut costs, Baker is likely to get her release by the summer.
Hook
There are many wrestling fans who feel second-generation star Hook has a lot of talent. And AEW pushed him that way during the early years of his career. However, that is no longer the case, and he has seemingly plateaued. The main reason is that AEW has never been strong at developing talent from the ground up. WWE excels at that. If Hook were at the performance center, he would have a chance to realize his potential fully.
The son of ECW legend Taz recently hired a big-time agent and reportedly will be a free agent soon. It seems like he is setting himself up to test free agency as soon as he has the chance.
