Possibility Of Former WWE Stars Joining AEW Update

WWE/AEW

An update has emerged on the mindset in AEW when it comes to former WWE stars joining the company, courtesy of Tony Khan.

Recently, Ilja Dragunov left WWE after his contract expired, with the star having been off television for four months before his departure.

A recent interview with Metro saw Tony Khan asked about the possibility of signing more former WWE names, with the AEW owner sharing his thoughts, saying:

“There are so many great wrestlers around the world, and so many of the very best professional wrestlers compete in All Elite Wrestling,

“I always say AEW is where the best wrestle, and I really believe that. I think that the very best wrestlers in the world are competing in AEW right now.

“It’s exciting that so many of the best wrestlers outside of the company are trying to get into AEW.”

With AEW’s relationship with CMLL seeing multiple stars under dual contracts as well as the relationship with NJPW, Khan would also comment on collaborations meaning that stars could “compete in multiple promotions”.

Addressing the possibility of Dragunov signing with AEW, something that has interested Kyle Fletcher, Khan would keep his cards close to his chest on that matter, stating:

“While I don’t know the contractual status of every wrestler out there, I’m very familiar with his wrestling.

“He’s a tremendous competitor, and somebody I really admire.”

In comments made early this year, Khan reiterated that he’s keeping a close eye on what’s taking place across the wrestling scene, including where releases in other companies are involved.

AEW heads to All In: London on August 30, with the pay-per-view taking place at Wembley Stadium.

All In On AEW

All the way back in 2023, the former Sasha Banks made an on-screen appearance at All In: London, recently revealing that she had talks with WWE prior to that cameo.

Over its existence, AEW has become the home of a growing number of former WWE stars, adding to a roster of talent that broadly came directly from the independent scene.

With releases and contract expiry being an ongoing, although infrequent, process in WWE, there’s bound to be more free agents entering professional wrestling after any non-compete clause expires and interest among fans in seeing such stars sign a deal with AEW.

Khan indicating that “AEW is where the best wrestle” sets a bar for former stars seeing a new opportunity, with “the best” clearly not being synonymous with “everyone”.

Darby Allin has recently discussed, without naming names, the early years of AEW and how some signings took it for granted, something that he doesn’t want to see in the current roster, preferring to engage with stars with the same passion he has for the business.

Seeing a signing as akin to a mission has paid dividends when it comes to the loyalty of AEW stars, with Will Ospreay saying he would be a “little soldier” for Tony Khan, who paid for his neck surgery. Building these strong relationships is clearly a contributing factor to the aforementioned “passion”, although money will always have its place, as it does in any working relationship.

Just days away from Wembley Stadium, and with a number of former WWE stars now clear of the ninety-day non-compete, it will be interesting to see who, if anyone, debuts at AEW All In.

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• AEW
• wwe
• tony khan

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