WWE surprised many of their fans this week with another round of major roster cuts, including Braun Strowman, Shayna Baszler, and Dakota Kai. With these stars now free agents, everyone is wondering where they’ll end up next.
According to reports, most of the main roster talent have a 90-day non-compete clause while NXT talent have a 30-day non-compete. AEW and TNA should be at the top of everyone’s list. But which of the former WWE and NXT stars are better fits for the next two best companies in the industry?
We look at nine of the biggest names released and predict where they will land.
Related: WWE Roster – Latest Rosters For Raw, SmackDown, And NXT (Updated May 3)
Shayna Baszler
Shayna Baszler’s hard-hitting, submission-based style and real MMA background make her a great fit for AEW’s style of wrestling. AEW values technical skill and in-ring storytelling and has shown time and time again that it can give former WWE talent a fresh platform to shine. Baszler could bring something different to the women’s division right away.
- Best Fit: AEW
In a division that rewards intensity and skill, she’d have a lot of room to make an impact. AEW could use her as a silent enforcer-type character, someone who lets her fists do the talking. A slow-burning feud with Willow Nightingale or even Mercedes Moné would give her a new spotlight beyond just the matches.
Dakota Kai
Dakota Kai was just released, and outside companies and top agents in pro wrestling are reportedly already calling her up with serious interest. While either AEW or TNA could give her a great platform to shine, AEW seems like the stronger fit.
- Best Fit: AEW
The growing AEW women’s division is a great place for Dakota Kai. She has experience, especially from her time in Stardom, and can change gears in the ring. She’d fit right in. Her style would work in big matches, especially against Toni Storm or Mercedes Moné, where the storytelling and in-ring work can really pop. But unlike Baszler’s brute force, Kai could go full mind games and unpredictable storytelling.
Braun Strowman
Both companies have been in touch with him in the past, so a return to those conversations feels like a matter of timing for Braun Strowman. AEW has the bigger platform, but its roster leans towards fast-paced, technical styles that might not suit Strowman’s strengths. TNA has a history of embracing heavyweight talent and has a lighter schedule — something that matches Strowman’s reported preference for part-time work.
- Best Fit: TNA
All in all, TNA looks like the smoother landing spot where he could jump into a top role without having to reinvent himself. Strowman could go right into a top feud with Moose or Steve Maclin, two big boys who could match him in size and intensity. He’d be a natural for the bigger TNA shows like Bound for Glory.
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance
While AEW has a bigger platform, the women’s tag scene is still underdeveloped, which could limit the duo’s impact. TNA has a long history of focusing on women’s tag team wrestling and character-driven storytelling, which aligns well with Kayden Carter and Katana Chance’s energetic style and chemistry.
- Best Fit: TNA
As a team, they could revitalize TNA’s women’s tag division. They would offer fresh matchups and potential title runs, and they will be valuable assets for the Knockouts Division.
Cora Jade
At 24, Cora Jade brings a special mix of youth and experience from the indie circuit before her WWE run. She’s a great fit for TNA’s focus on developing new stars. Now performing again as her pre-WWE ring name, Elayna Black, she blends indie cred with WWE polish and would be a strong addition to the Knockouts Division.
- Best Fit: TNA
While AEW is a strong option, its women’s roster is crowded and might limit her opportunities. TNA’s focus on character development and long-term storytelling gives her a better chance. She could quickly become a cornerstone of the division, building her post-WWE legacy and helping shape the future of the division
Jakara Jackson
Jakara Jackson’s got huge charisma and in-ring potential, so with her experience, she could really shine in TNA. The Knockouts Division has a good track record of developing new talent, and Jackson seems like the perfect fit to make her mark there.
- Best Fit: TNA
With the right push, she could quickly become a key wrestler in TNA for the division’s future. Jackson could shine in character-driven feuds with a personality like Masha Slamovich. She might even be a contender for a Knockouts World Title within her first year.
Eddy Thorpe
Eddy Thorpe has technical skills and experience in both single and faction-based storylines. AEW’s focus on different styles of wrestling would give him the chance to show off his skills in all sorts of matches, whether technical or high-energy multi-man bouts.
- Best Fit: AEW
AEW’s fluid storytelling would give him room to grow and evolve his character, as a solo competitor or part of a faction. While AEW’s roster is deep, Thorpe’s adaptability and technical style would really make him stand out. He would also be a natural for a faction, maybe joining the Blackpool Combat Club.
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