Published: 2 hours ago by Connel Rumsey | Last Updated: 5 hours ago by Connel Rumsey
Connel has over five years of wrestling journalism experience writing about some of the biggest stories from across the wrestling world. Being a fan for 20 years, Connel has an expansive knowledge from a wide range of various wrestling promotions, including WWE, AEW, NJPW, TNA and Joshi.@connel1405
AEW
Next Tuesday, AEW is set to head to France for the first time, when a special AEW Grand Slam France episode of Dynamite takes place.
This will be the third Grand Slam event of the year for AEW, with the first two being in Australia and Mexico.
AEW Grand Slam specials have become effectively TV pay-per-views, so we could see some big moments and surprises take place on next week’s show.
With a major event coming up, there are a number of former WWE stars we could see make their debut in France.
Ilja Dragunov
Ilja Dragunov exited WWE at the end of his contract in August 2026.
After his WWE departure was announced back in August, Ilja Dragunov has been a free agent, with most being of the belief that he will land in AEW.
Fightful Select has since reported that those in the company believe he will sign with AEW, if he hasn’t already, with fans eagerly awaiting the Mad Dragon’s debut.
With his European ties, debuting Ilja in France would be a great moment.
Sheamus
Sheamus leaves WWE having never captured the Intercontinental Championship after years of chasing
On October 1, it was confirmed that former WWE Champion Sheamus was now a free agent after his WWE departure was announced months earlier.
It was also reported that AEW had interest in potentially bringing in Sheamus, with some within the company being in favor of him debuting for the company.
Sheamus has a lot of connections to several people in the company, most notably his former tag team partner Claudio Castagnoli, who is currently a member of the Death Riders.
Sheamus debuting in France would be a great place for him to arrive, much like Ilja Dragunov.
Mara Sade
Mara Sadè was released by WWE back in May 2025
Another former WWE star confirmed to have signed with AEW is Mara Sade, who departed TNA back in July.
Mara noted on her website that she works for All Elite Wrestling, with Fightful Select later confirming that Mara had indeed signed with the company.
With Mara being the real-life girlfriend of Kevin Knight, many fans have speculated the potential of the two of them being paired together on screen, with Mara becoming the first women’s member of the Don Callis Family.
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