WWE Stars To Sign With AEW After The New Level

AEW

At AEW All In London 2026, The New Day made their debut with the company, now known as The New Level.

Kofi and Austin Creed teamed with Swerve Strickland to win the Trios Roulette Royale to become the new AEW World Tag Team Championships.

Following in The New Level’s footsteps, there could be even more WWE stars who make their way to All Elite Wrestling in the coming weeks and months ahead.

Here are eight WWE stars to potentially sign with AEW after The New Level.

8. Ilja Dragunov

To the shock of many fans, Ilja Dragunov was revealed to be departing WWE after his contract expired.

Now that he is a free agent, fans immediately believed Dragunov could make his way to All Elite Wrestling.

Considering his in-ring ability, accolades and intensity, Dragunov feels like a perfect fit for AEW’s in-house style.

Dragunov offers a lot that will make him such an essential addition for the AEW roster for years to come.

7. Charlie (Dakota Kai)

Ever since being released by WWE in May 2025, many fans have wondered if Dakota Kai would go to the other top major promotion in pro wrestling.

Despite being a free agent for a nearly a year, Kai has not yet appeared for All Elite Wrestling.

Now known as Charlie, the former WWE star has stepped inside the squared circle with former AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander.

After making her in-ring return this year, Charlie could be the latest addition to the AEW women’s division and make a significant impact moving foward.

6. Kay Lee Ray (Alba Fyre)

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

One of the more surprising names to be let go had to have been Alba Fyre.

Widely regarded as one of the most reliable in-ring competitors in the women’s scene, Fyre has since returned to the independent scene where she is once again Kay Lee Ray.

After working with Will Ospreay at Pro Wrestling: EVE, KLR could add a great deal to AEW and the women’s division in the near future.

5. Sheamus

Another very surprising departure from WWE in recent months had to have been Sheamus.

“The Celtic Warrior” has been with the company for nearly 20 years and leaves an established legacy behind.

Considering his experience and accomplishments, there might not be a more decorated star on the free agency market.

Sheamus mixing it up with the likes of Konosuke Takeshita, Speedball Mike Bailey and Swerve Strickland would be the best way to show everyone that he will feel right at home in All Elite Wrestling with “banger after banger after banger.”

4. Joseph Sawyer (Joe Gacy)

Another WWE star who was recently released from the company this year is Joe Gacy.

Once a member of The Wyatt Sicks, Gacy had become a dependable performer for WWE prior to his exit.

Since leaving, Gacy has returned to the indies where he has become Joseph Sawyer.

Considering his connection with Jon Moxley and others in the company, Sawyer feels like someone who could walk into AEW with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove.

3. Kairi Sane

By far the most shocking WWE release of 2026 has been none other than Kairi Sane.

As part of the mass talent cuts, the company let go of Sane in the middle of a compelling storyline with Asuka and IYO SKY.

Since then, there have been rumors that Kairi could potentially sign with All Elite Wrestling.

Whether it be standing up for STARDOM against Thekla or stepping up to a current champion, Kairi debuting in AEW could open the door for some intriguing stories to tell with the former Kabuki Warrior.

2. Johnny Gargano

Many fans have been wondering if Johnny Gargano has a bright future in WWE.

After being with the company for over a decade now, it seems like Gargano is at the lowest stage of his time with WWE.

Having spent months lying face down backstage, it seems like WWE is trying to do a bit more with Gargano.

However, Gargano could follow in the footsteps of his DIY tag team partner and make the move to AEW in the months to come.

1. Bayley

There is no other WWE star who has been speculated to join AEW more than Bayley.

With her career closely linked to Mercedes Monè, it has become a hot topic of discussion on where Bayley could head next considering her WWE contract is set to expire.

While she is currently off TV to negotiate a new deal, there is no guarantee Bayley will remain with AEW.

Bayley joining Monè in AEW would be extremely interesting and bring a larger spotlight to the women’s division in a major way.

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!

• AEW
• wwe
• The New Level

Share this article with friends