As Tony Khan evaluating ex-WWE stars for AEW signings dominates speculation across the wrestling world, many fans are asking which recently-released talents will be a good fit and who might disrupt All Elite Wrestling’s environment. With AEW’s roster already stacked and debates ongoing over the company’s locker room size, Tony Khan faces a critical decision on who to welcome into AEW next.
AEW’s Growing Roster and the Debate Over New Additions
All Elite Wrestling already features several high-profile alumni from WWE, including Swerve Strickland, Toni Storm, Mercedes Mone, and The Hurt Syndicate. These stars, having made the switch from the Stamford-based promotion to AEW, have experienced significant boosts in both their in-ring presentation and championship aspirations. However, behind the scenes, there’s conversation about whether AEW’s continued influx of former WWE names is making the locker room too crowded or adding healthy competition to both the men’s and women’s divisions.
Since the turn of 2025, World Wrestling Entertainment has released a wave of talent, both from its main roster and developmental system. This growing pool of free agents has not escaped Tony Khan’s notice as he attempts to keep AEW ahead of the curve. Though opportunities for big debuts abound, Khan must weigh each potential signing carefully to ensure AEW’s roster remains balanced, and the company’s identity is not diluted.
Top Candidates AEW Should Seriously Consider
One standout is Cedric Alexander, a competitor who found moderate success after signing with WWE in 2016. Alexander initially shined in the Cruiserweight Division before progressing to wrestle notable opponents such as Cesaro, Drew McIntyre, AJ Styles, and Sami Zayn. His eventual run as part of The Hurt Business positioned him within a faction that, while promising, was widely considered underutilized before its members parted ways.
Now, all three original members of the group—MVP, Shelton Benjamin, and Bobby Lashley—are thriving within AEW as a reinvented unit called The Hurt Syndicate. Alexander, recently released by WWE in early 2024, now stands poised for a potential reunion, having even worked references to the stable’s legacy into his recent indie appearances. Alexander’s mix of high athleticism and experience would make him a seamless addition to AEW’s fast-paced style, and both MVP and Lashley have expressed openness to bringing him into the fold during a recent interview. With this backdrop, Tony Khan’s interest in Alexander could lead to his integration as either a singles force or as a challenger within established AEW groups, perhaps even locking horns with MJF and The Syndicate.
Another name for Khan to keep in mind is Dakota Kai. Her early years in the wrestling industry were marked by independent circuit accomplishments before joining WWE’s NXT, where she fortified its women’s division alongside Shayna Baszler, Bianca Belair, Candice LeRae, Tegan Nox, and IYO SKY. Despite being released in April 2022, she was quickly re-signed for a significant return at SummerSlam. Her tenure with Damage Control saw Dakota and her stablemates become prominent on both the RAW and SmackDown brands, ultimately culminating in a deep run at the tournament for the inaugural Women’s Intercontinental Championship before her most recent release in May 2024.
Although AEW’s women’s division is currently well-stocked, Dakota Kai—also known to indie fans as Evie—could add fresh dynamics and credibility. With nearly two decades of wrestling experience, Kai’s resume spans successful programs with industry trailblazers, positioning her as a strong addition alongside AEW’s homegrown talents like Kris Statlander and Willow Nightingale, and established leaders such as Mercedes Mone, Athena, and Toni Storm. Her background would elevate competitive standards within AEW’s women’s ranks.
Stars AEW Would Be Wise to Avoid Right Now
Braun Strowman burst onto WWE’s main roster in 2015 as the Wyatt Family’s towering enforcer, immediately establishing himself as a dominant force against top-tier opponents such as Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, Bray Wyatt, and Kevin Owens. During his WWE run, he captured several championships, including the prestigious WWE Universal Title, and made waves with high-profile rivalries. Strowman’s career took several turns, including a 2021 release, a subsequent return, and more recent storylines with Ricochet, Gunther, Bronson Reed, Jacob Fatu, and The Bloodline. However, Strowman was released again in May 2024.
On the surface, Strowman’s availability could spell a major coup for Tony Khan, but complications arise with his future uncertain in WWE—reports suggest he may yet return, and he’s preparing to host a TV series on USA Network, the same network that broadcasts SmackDown. Additionally, Strowman has been openly critical of AEW’s product, dismissing its staying power and disparaging the company compared to ventures like Control Your Narrative. With his past comments and divided loyalties, the risk of signing Strowman may outweigh any buzz his debut could generate for AEW beyond a short-term spectacle.
Matt Riddle stands as another major name whose trajectory both intrigues and concerns. His celebrated transition from MMA to the squared circle led to a WWE contract in 2018, followed by a successful NXT stint and memorable main roster feuds with AJ Styles, Sheamus, Bobby Lashley, and more. His tag team with Randy Orton drew considerable attention, especially during the evolving Bloodline storylines against Roman Reigns and The Usos. The following years saw Riddle at the heart of key rivalries, teaming with Drew McIntyre, challenging Gunther for the Intercontinental Title, and testing himself against WWE’s elite before his release in 2023.
After departing WWE, Riddle returned to independent wrestling, including appearances in NJPW and CMLL, but has yet to break into AEW. Despite his blend of athleticism and charisma, the logistics of his signing are complicated. AEW’s men’s division is already crowded, leaving little room for a star of his profile without relegating existing talent. Complicating matters, Tony Khan reportedly has no plans to sign Riddle as of late 2023, likely influenced by the wrestler’s controversial history. For now, All Elite Wrestling is unlikely to be the next chapter in The King of Bros’ career, even if Riddle remains willing.
Weighing the Future of AEW’s Talent Strategy
Tony Khan’s considered approach to evaluating ex-WWE stars comes at a crucial juncture for AEW, as the company looks to strengthen its brand while avoiding the pitfalls of a congested locker room. Strategic signings like Cedric Alexander or Dakota Kai could provide both excitement and depth, while steering clear of high-profile but potentially divisive figures such as Braun Strowman and Matt Riddle could prevent roster turmoil. As free agents continue to emerge from WWE, AEW’s next moves will be closely watched by fans and industry veterans alike, shaping the competitive landscape of professional wrestling for the foreseeable future.
