Published: 2 hours ago by Jamie Toolan | Last Updated: 8 hours ago by Jamie Toolan
Jamie has been covering the world of wrestling for four years and currently holds the position of Assistant Editor of WrestleTalk.com. During his time working for WrestleTalk.com he has written and published over 4,000 news and feature articles covering events and happenings from WWE, AEW, TNA and a variety of international and independent wrestling promotions.
AEW
2026 has been a big year for AEW when it comes to new arrivals, with the past two pay-per-views (All In London & All Out) hosting the debuts of The New Level (Austin Creed & Kofi) and Dani Luna respectively.
With at least one other signing reportedly over the line and others potentially in the works, we could see more new faces show up between now and AEW’s next big event: WrestleDream on October 17.
Here are four potential new AEW free agent signings.
Ilja Dragunov
Ilja Dragunov exited WWE at the end of his contract in August 2026.
We start our list with a name who, according to reports has already signed with All Elite Wrestling: Ilja Dragunov.
“The Mad Dragon” departed WWE in August after four months off of television and was unsurprisingly, immediately linked to AEW.
Certainly a natural fit for the promotion given its greater focus on in-ring action, Dragunov will slot in seamlessly with others of the same hard-hitting, high-intensity ilk such as Kyle Fletcher, Will Ospreay and Kenny Omega.
Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn
With The Brawling Birds (Jamie Hayter & Alex Windsor) knocking off Divine Dominion (Lena Kross & Megan Bayne) at All Out, one would think that new challengers for The AEW Women’s World Tag Team Titles will be required for WrestleDream.
While there are several options on the active roster for that spot, so too does the free agent market. Isla Dawn is far from a stranger to AEW, having made several appearances across AEW and ROH TV over the past year. However, she has, surprisingly not been signed to an AEW contract as far as we know.
With her former WWE tag team partner, and fellow Scot, Kay Lee Ray also now available too, AEW should jump at the chance to bring in the pair as they are an established tag team and not just two singles stars thrown together.
Kairi Sane
Kairi Sane was a key part of Asuka and IYO SKY’s WWE feud when she was released by the company.
Another former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion on the free agent market is Kairi Sane.
“The Pirate Princess” was cut by WWE in April and has remained out of the ring ever since. However, in recent weeks she has been strongly linked to AEW.
According to Fightful, Kairi and AEW have held talks but no deal has been agreed. It was noted that if she signs, it would likely be a dual contract, presumably with STARDOM – a promotion she has an extensive history with dating back almost 15 years.
Sheamus
The last of the potential free agents that could join AEW is former four-time WWE World Champion Sheamus.
The 48-year-old exited WWE in July after reportedly turning down a restructured contract offer. While it was believed that he would be able to move elsewhere immediately, Fightful later reported that he wouldn’t actually become a free agent until October 1.
Despite his age, Sheamus can still very much go between the ropes and would add a great deal of experience to the AEW locker room should he join.
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