Published: 1 hour ago by Dave Adamson | Last Updated: 1 hour ago by Dave Adamson
Dave has been a website writer for WrestleTalk since October 2022, having previously written for Den of Geek, among a number of wrestling, movie and television-related sites. Dave has been around the independent wrestling scene for more than a decade, including behind-the-scenes.
AEW/WWE
While the former New Day make waves as new AEW signings, signed stars could be heading to WWE in the near future.
The former Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods made their AEW debuts at All In: London as the New Level, teaming with Swerve Strickland and capturing the World Trios Championship.
With a recent Wrestling Observer Live seeing Bryan Alvarez comment that some AEW contracts will “quietly expire”, there’s potential for affected stars to head to WWE.
Tay Melo
Tony Khan previously confirmed that he would grant Tay Melo her release from AEW, with the star taking a break from professional wrestling.
One half of TayJay, Melo signed with AEW back in September 2020, shortly after her debut. A former WWE star, under the name Taynara Conti before losing that last name, Melo would be released from her contract in April 2020 due to COVID-19-related budget cuts.
Over six years on, Melo has grown in confidence as a star thanks to AEW, and it’s not beyond possibility that a return to WWE could be in her future.
Kip Sabian
Alongside Sammy Guevara, Kip Sabian competed in the first match in AEW history, rapidly establishing himself as a star very much made for television.
Reports have surfaced that he would be under contract until at least mid-2026, with the star having signed a three-year deal in 2023. While no details have emerged of his current contract status, he is no longer a member of The Matriarchy since the recently returned Nick Wayne headed into singles competition.
Even during his absence through surgery in 2021, Sabian remained focused on what he could deliver to AEW, leading to the “Underrated/Over It” gimmick which saw the star wear a cardboard box on his head. He could have spent his time at home, but saw the opportunity and ran with it.
Just 34 years old, Sabian could bring his charisma and in-ring ability to WWE, having last been seen in an AEW ring in September of last year.
Jim Ross
The WWE Hall of Famer stated earlier in August that his AEW contract was “up this month“, with the legendary star reflecting on the career he’s had.
Ending his career in WWE in 2019, having been previously released in 2013 and making a return in 2017, Jim Ross would be returning to a company that has entirely different leadership, not just internally but in the form of TKO Group Holdings.
A former Executive Vice President of Talent Relations, in addition to his respected on-air role, Ross’ health has seen him hospitalized on multiple occasions, recently undergoing successful brain surgery.
In recent history, Ross has been used sparingly on screen, and he is still rightfully highly regarded by many. It’s unlikely he would make a return to WWE in a broadcast role, although his awareness of the business is still a valuable resource.
The Two Way Street
Whenever stars exit WWE, much attention is paid to who should sign with AEW, TNA Wrestling or any other company with contracted talent.
It’s far from a one-way street for any entity, with stars opting to test the waters in WWE or elsewhere, having seen a degree of success in AEW. For some, like Jade Cargill, Royce Keys and Lexis King, WWE offers a new home and new opportunities in an environment with decades of experience that has evolved over that timeframe.
Going from AEW to WWE, or vice versa, isn’t a limiting factor for the right talent when it comes to going the other way.
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