Published: 15 minutes ago by SP3 | Last Updated: 22 minutes ago by SP3
Born in Harlem, New York and now living in the Bronx, Sid Pullar III aka SP3 is a lifelong wrestling fan who has been covering the industry for over nine years as a podcaster and writer. His passion for the industry has been documented with over 3,000 videos on YouTube and 8,000 written pieces across multiple outlets, such as WrestleTalk, Sports Illustrated and more.@TruHeelSP3
AEW
All Elite Wrestling has had a busy year when it comes to free agent signings since the beginning of 2026.
The company have been active in acquiring some of the biggest names in the industry today.
With the sheer amount of stars acquired, it is interesting to see who has made their presence felt the most throughout this year up to this time.
Considering more stars could be on their way in, here are the five most impactful AEW free agent signings in 2026 so far.
Tommaso Ciampa
In January, Tommaso Ciampa left WWE and quickly went on to sign with All Elite Wrestling.
Just a few days after his arrival, Ciampa made history by becoming the first male star to win a championship in his first match when he beat Mark Briscoe to win the TNT Title.
Despite this reign being short-lived, this immediately established Ciampa as a major star on the roster.
Since then, Ciampa has become a mainstay on AEW TV and someone who is a threat to win more gold on any given week.
Persephone
Persephone joined Mistico, Mascara Dorada and Hechicero as dual contracted stars in CMLL and All Elite Wrestling earlier this year.
At 24 years old, Persephone became someone who could be seen as the future of the AEW women’s division.
Then at AEW All In London 2026, Persephone defeated Maya World to win the TBS Title.
Now holding the TBS and CMLL World Women’s Championships, the sky is the limit for Persephone moving forward.
The Dogs (Gabe Kidd, Clark Connors & David Finlay)
In March, The Dogs officially signed with All Elite Wrestling after leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling.
From the ashes of the Bullet Club War Dogs, Gabe Kidd, Clark Connors and David Finlay looked to run roughshod over anyone in AEW.
Then in April, The Dogs defeated Mistico and JetSpeed to win the AEW World Trios Championships.
While this run did not last more than a day, The Dogs have continued to be regularly featured, especially alongside The Death Riders in their alliance formed thanks to Kidd’s relationship with Jon Moxley.
Andrade El Idolo
In January, Andrade El Idolo made his return to All Elite Wrestling for the first time in two years.
After leaving WWE, El Idolo came back to AEW with a chip on his shoulder.
Reinventing himself as “The Real Latino Man,” Andrade has become one of the most popular stars on the roster today.
Now holding the AEW National Title and a guaranteed shot at the AEW World Championship, Andrade could find himself right at the top of the company as the year progresses.
The New Level (Kofi & Austin Creed)
At AEW All In London 2026, The New Level made their arrival in the company.
Teaming with Swerve Strickland, Kofi and Austin Creed walked out of Wembley Stadium as the new AEW World Trios Champions.
The New Level have taken AEW by storm and bring an infectious energy into every arena they step into.
Wanting to prove themselves in their new home, The New Level look to become stalwarts of AEW for a long time.
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