Published: 3 hours ago by Jamie Toolan | Last Updated: 3 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.
WWE
AEW All In London 2026 saw Tony Khan’s roster grow larger when The New Level (Austin Creed & Kofi) made their debut following their WWE release in May.
2026 has been a year of surprising WWE departures however, so there are plenty more possibilities on the table for AEW should they want top dip back into the free agent market.
With one name reportedly already on the way, here are three former WWE stars who could sign with AEW before the end of 2026.
Ilja Dragunov
Ilja Dragunov exited WWE at the end of his contract in August 2026.
After four months off TV, it was revealed in August that former United States Champion Ilja Dragunov had departed WWE following the expiry of his contract.
Excitement surrounding Dragunov potentially going AEW soon followed, and it was eventually reported last week that ‘The Mad Dragon’ was indeed AEW bound.
With the Russian now reportedly under contract, we could see him arrive as soon as the upcoming All Out pay-per-view in Chicago on September 26.
With a host of dream matches and reunions with familiar foes on the table, Dragunov is a massively exciting new signing for Tony Khan.
Sheamus
Sheamus hasn’t wrestled since the November 17, 2025 episode of WWE Raw
Many fans would describe Ilja Dragunov as a no brainer signing for AEW, but the same certainly can’t be said about Sheamus.
While having an illustrious 20-year career in WWE filled with major accolades should make you fall into this category, Sheamus is also 48 years old, has dealt with his fair share of injury setbacks in recent years, and would be potentially taking a spot that could go to a younger talent already on the roster.
Although these points could be made in argument against AEW signing Sheamus, there would be plenty positives; his wealth of experience being a big one. There is also the possibility of a reunion of The Bar – his fan favorite tag team with Claudio Castagnoli.
Seeing The New Level mix it up with a brand new group of talent has been a breath of fresh air for both fans and the talent themselves, and Sheamus could also massively benefit from that in the same way, given how the majority of his career has seen him compete exclusively for WWE.
Kairi Sane
Kairi Sane was a key part of Asuka and IYO SKY’s WWE feud when she was released by the company.
It remains to be seen whether AEW will be interested in bringing Sheamus into the company, but one talent we do know they are keen on is Kairi Sane.
Kairi was let go by WWE back in April – right in the heart of her storyline with Asuka and IYO SKY – a decision that led to major push back from fans.
The former multi-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion has remained away from the ring since her release, but Fightful recently revealed that she and AEW have been in talks.
No deal has been agreed as of the time of writing, but the fact that there has been communication between the two sides is enough reason to be hopeful that this one happens.
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