Free Agents To Sign With AEW

AEW

2026 has been a busy year for All Elite Wrestling when it comes to free agent signing.

From Tommaso Ciampa and The Rascalz to The Motor City Machine Guns and The New Level, some of the top names in wrestling have joined the AEW roster over the past nine months.

With just a few months left in this year, it does not seem like Tony Khan plans to slow down his pursuit of the biggest free agents in wrestling.

Here are seven free agents to potentially sign with AEW.

7. Kairi Sane

To the surprise of many fans, Kairi Sane was included in the latest round of mass talent cuts from WWE.

Since exiting WWE, Sane has yet to appear for any other promotion in wrestling.

Recent reports have indicated that there have been preliminary talks with the former Kabuki Warrior, but no contract has been signed at this time.

Considering her experience, Kairi is a no-brainer signing for AEW that can make an immediate impact.

6. Dani Luna

In March, Dani Luna made the decision to leave TNA Wrestling after asking for her release.

Over the course of her career, Luna has made a name for herself in WWE NXT UK, TNA and the independent scene.

Bringing a new level of intensity, Luna could be a perfect fit for All Elite Wrestling.

With her past in bloody wars, Luna would be a wonderful addition to what AEW is already known for.

5. Charlie (Dakota Kai)

In May 2025, many fans were shocked to see Dakota Kai part of the latest round of WWE releases.

After spending eight years with the promotion, Kai had earned the reputation as one of the most reliable in-ring performers on the roster.

Since her WWE release, Kai has become Charlie, making some rare appearances on the independent scene.

Feeling like a fit for All Elite Wrestling, Charlie could impress if given the opportunity in the AEW women’s division in the coming weeks or months.

4. Joseph Sawyer (Joe Gacy)

Another recent WWE release who has hit the ground running since leaving is Joe Gacy.

Now known as Joseph Sawyer, the former WWE Tag Team Champion has returned to his roots on the indies.

In one of his first appearances back on the independent scene, Sawyer won the Game Changer Wrestling World Championship.

With his connection to current AEW Continental Champion Jon Moxley, Sawyer has what it takes to get his foot in the door in All Elite Wrestling sooner rather than later.

3. Kay Lee Ray

From the latest round of WWE releases, Alba Fyre was one of the more notable names let go from the promotion.

However, Fyre did not rest on her laurels and immediately returned to the independent scene as Kay Lee Ray.

One of the promotions where KLR has made her return to includes Pro Wrestling: EVE.

With her success in EVE, the groundwork has been laid for Kay Lee Ray to land in AEW.

2. Sheamus

In July, it was revealed that Sheamus was leaving WWE after declining a pay cut from the company.

“The Celtic Warrior” has been widely recognized as one of the most physical and intense in-ring workers in WWE.

Since his release, many fans have mentioned AEW as a potential landing spot for Sheamus.

Against the likes of Konosuke Takeshita, Brody King and Darby Allin, Sheamus could continue to deliver “banger after banger after banger” in AEW for the next few years.

1. Ilja Dragunov

At the beginning of August, it was revealed that Ilja Dragunov was leaving WWE upon his contract expiring.

Over his seven-year run in WWE, Dragunov was a former United States Champion, NXT Champion and NXT UK Champion.

Dragunov has more than earned the reputation as one of the most intense in-ring competitors in the world.

Now that he is a free agent, it feels inevitable for Dragunov to sign with AEW where he would make a formidable opponent for a litany of top stars, such as Will Ospreay, Kyle Fletcher and Kenny Omega.

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