Released WWE Stars’ Next Move After Becoming Free Agents

WWE/AEW/TNA

On Thursday, July 23, several released WWE stars finally became free agents after departing the company in April.

From former champions to notable names, these stars will be making some waves throughout the pro wrestling industry.

Wherever these names head to next, there will be a ripple effect felt throughout all of the business today.

Here are six released WWE stars’ next potential moves after becoming free agents.

6. The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) Head To AEW

Prior to signing with WWE in 2024, The Motor City Machine Guns were recognized as one of the most influential tag teams of their generation.

Often referred to as ‘Your Favorite Tag Team’s Favorite Tag Team,’ Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley have created a legacy that precedes them wherever they head next.

When they were last free agents, The Motor City Machine Guns were pursued by All Elite Wrestling to come in and bolster their tag team division.

MCMG joining the likes of FTR, Cage and Cope and The Young Bucks would make the AEW tag team scene one of the best in the business and create some fresh, new matchups in the near future.

5. Santos Escobar (Hijo del Fantasma) Returns To Mexico To Sign With CMLL

In October 2025, Santos Escobar briefly left WWE after his contract expired and made him a free agent.

However, this free agency only lasted a day before WWE brought him back into the fold and re-signed Escobar.

Despite reports of big plans on the main roster, Escobar would only appear for Lucha Libre AAA until he was released by WWE in April 2026.

Going back to Hijo del Fantasma, Escobar could have a greater impact back in Mexico for CMLL coming off the heels of his WWE run.

4. Zoey Serrano Becomes The Latest Addition To MLW

Following her WWE release, Zoey Stark made it clear quickly that she intended to prove herself outside of the company.

Becoming Zoey Serrano, the former WWE star looks to establish herself as one of the best women’s wrestling has to offer.

Throughout her time in WWE, Serrano showcased herself to be one of the most versatile in-ring performers in the women’s division and could bring a great deal to another promotion.

Zoey Serrano signing with Major League Wrestling would be a massive acquisition and set up an inevitable showdown with current MLW Featherweight Champion Shotzi Blackheart sometime down the line.

3. The Wyatt Sicks (Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis & Nikki Cross) All Join TNA Wrestling Together

Among the latest round of WWE releases, The Wyatt Sicks might have been one of the more surprising departures from the company.

Considering WWE let go of every single member of the faction, there is a chance for a company to bring in all of the stablemates in a new promotion.

Bo Dallas, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis and Nikki Cross sticking together would give her a strong chance to succeed elsewhere.

The Wyatt Sicks heading to TNA Wrestling would be a major boost in star power for the company and bring a legitimate spotlight to the former WWE faction.

2. Aleister Black & Zelina Go To TNA Wrestling

Re-signing with WWE in 2025, Aleister Black looked to reestablish himself and break through into the main event picture in the company.

After being released by the promotion, it felt like Black could make his way back to All Elite Wrestling.

However, it seems like Black and his wife Zelina might have to consider another option for their future in the pro wrestling industry.

Black and Zelina signing with TNA would be interesting and could see them get the significant push they were denied during their time in WWE.

1. Kairi Sane Signs With AEW

There was no WWE release more shocking during the latest round of mass talent cuts than Kairi Sane.

While many fans did not expect Sane to leave the company, the multi-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion was an underrated in-ring worker and someone who can contribute to AEW in a major way.

The AEW women’s division is in need of new top stars and can utilize Sane in a significant manner if she were to sign.

Kairi heading to AEW would create some intriguing scenarios and unique matches against some of the best women’s wrestlers in the world, such as Mercedes Mone, Athena and Thekla.

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