Released WWE Stars To Debut At AEW Redemption 2026

AEW/WWE

On April 24, WWE had its latest round of talent cuts with over 30 wrestlers being released from their contracts.

This means that the main roster talents that were released on that day will be free agents when their 90-day clause expires on Thursday, July 23.

With AEW Redemption 2026 on the horizon, All Elite Wrestling might have some released WWE stars make their arrival in the company at the marquee event from Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Here are eight released WWE stars to potentially debut at AEW Redemption 2026.

8. The Motor City Machine Guns

As soon as WWE released its latest round of talent cuts, The Motor City Machine Guns were at the top of everyone’s lists to be most likely to sign with All Elite Wrestling.

When Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley were last free agents following the end of their run in TNA, AEW expressed their interest and they looked close to signing with the promotion.

The Motor City Machine Guns choosing to head to AEW now would be interesting considering the recent boost the tag team division has undergone.

With the likes of FTR, The Rascalz, The Dogs and The Young Bucks now going strong on AEW programming, The Motor City Machine Guns feel like a massive addition that would bolster the division in a significant way following Redemption 2026.

7. Joseph Sawyer (Joe Gacy)

Among the most noteworthy WWE releases during these latest rounds of cuts were The Wyatt Sicks.

The group led by Uncle Howdy were one of the more featured acts on Friday Night SmackDown and now find themselves as free agents moving forward.

Looking at the entire lineup from the faction, Joe Gacy, now using the name Joseph Sawyer, feels the most suited for what All Elite Wrestling has to offer.

Considering his independent background and established relationships with the likes of MJF on the roster, Gacy may find himself as the latest acquisition for Tony Khan and could become a reliable performer on the AEW roster coming out of Redemption 2026.

6. Kay Lee Ray (Alba Fyre)

In the latest rounds of talent cuts, Alba Fyre was one of the more surprising names to be let go by WWE.

It did not take long before Fyre made her return to in-ring competition as Kay Lee Ray in Pro Wrestling EVE. KLR has a lengthy past as one of the very best on the independent scene prior to her run in WWE.

Considering she has received an endorsement from EVE producer and AEW star Will Ospreay, Kay Lee Ray could be an excellent addition to the women’s scene where she can display her versatility against the wide variety of different talents in the company.

KLR could provide AEW Redemption 2026 with a memorable moment that might lead to her becoming one of the highlights of the women’s division moving forward.

5. Nikki Storm (Nikki Cross)

Someone else who has an impressive history on the independent scene prior to signing with WWE is Nikki Cross.

As a member of The Wyatt Sicks, Cross was not an active in-ring competitor, but she was featured as an on-screen character.

Cross is a former WWE Women’s Champion and a three-time Women’s Tag Team Champion.

Having already bought independent promotion PROGRESS since leaving WWE, it would make sense that if Cross decides to sign with a major promotion, it would have to be for All Elite Wrestling.

4. Zoey Serrano (Zoey Stark)

When looking at the upcoming free agents who were released from WWE, Zoey Stark had to be one of the most underrated performers from the roster to be let go.

Since leaving the promotion, Stark has been promoting a reinvention of sorts, changing her name to Zoey Serrano.

Considering all of her experience in WWE, Serrano is someone who has not scratched the surface on what she can offer in a major stage.

Zoey Serrano signing with AEW at Redemption 2026 could offer the right place to showcase her abilities and get over with the fans on what she can deliver inside the squared circle.

3. Charlie (Dakota Kai)

While most of the entries on this list are from the recent mass talent cuts, there are other released WWE stars who are still available that might make their way to All Elite Wrestling.

When she was released from WWE in May 2025, many fans were shocked to see Dakota Kai leave the promotion after eight years across two runs.

After nearly a year on the sidelines, Kai, now known as Charlie, returned to in-ring competition on the independent scene and has shown no ring rust.

With stamps of approval from the likes of Will Ospreay and Kris Statlander, it feels like a logical move for Charlie to sign with AEW and debut at Redemption 2026 where she might be better appreciated for what she offers in the ring.

2. Santos Escobar

Back in October 2025, it looked like Santos Escobar was set to become a free agent when his WWE contract was set to expire.

However, WWE stopped his free agency period after just one day and re-signed the former Legado Del Fantasma leader to a multi-year deal with a pay raise.

After keeping him on the shelf for months, Escobar made his return to Lucha Libre AAA where he became a regularly featured name. However, Santos suffered a torn triceps injury that required surgery and then got released.

Whenever he is healthy and ready to compete, Escobar could fit in nicely for AEW after a debut at Redemption where they have fully embraced the lucha libre culture with the likes of Andrade El Idolo, Mistico, Mascara Dorada and The Beast Mortos.

1. Kairi Sane

One of the most shocking names to be released from WWE in 2026 had to be Kairi Sane.

The multi-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion is someone who proved herself to be a dependable worker and deliver in whatever situation she’s given.

Sane was in the middle of a months-long story with Asuka and IYO SKY before her untimely exit from WWE cut things short.

After recently following Tony Khan on social media, fans could potentially witness Kairi in AEW after making her arrival at the Redemption 2026 pay-per-view.

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