Since AEW’s inception in 2019, some of its most prominent wrestlers have transitioned directly from WWE. High-profile names like Bryan Danielson and Adam Cole joined with significant fanfare. Recently, WWE release Swerve Strickland has become a top-tier main eventer, though others such as Miro and Malakai Black have reportedly returned to WWE. The question remains: who will be the next WWE star to make the leap to AEW, and will they find success? Here are six current WWE wrestlers who could potentially join AEW.
Number six on the list is Natalya (Natti Neidhart). This year, the seasoned veteran has been active outside of WWE, competing in various indie promotions like GCW, NWA, and ROH, and wrestling with indie talent through an ID deal with WWE’s Evolve brand. While Natalya clearly wants to wrestle more frequently, WWE’s current willingness to put her in the spotlight seems limited, mostly featuring her in backstage segments with Maxine Dupri. A move to AEW after her contract expires could finally fulfill her passion for regular in-ring action. Frequent appearances in AEW and ROH have the potential to strengthen the women’s division, especially as AEW considers introducing a women’s tag team championship.
Fan Take: This development excites AEW fans because attracting established WWE talent like Natalya could raise the caliber and depth of AEW’s women’s division. It signals AEW’s continued growth as a competitive alternative to WWE, potentially reshaping the wrestling landscape.
