AEW already have former WWE alumni on their roster, but should they consider looking to sports entertainment’s biggest brand once more?
Amazing Kong, Chris Jericho, Dustin Rhodes, Jon Moxley, Shawn Spears and AEW founder Cody Rhodes are all with the company having formerly been in WWE.
But could current members of the WWE roster consider moving to AEW as the brand continues its adventure in the world of professional wrestling?
A two-hour weekly TV show, similar to WWE’s SmackDown Live and WWE NXT is in the pipeline and should begin in October this year. This means the roster could be helped by having extra talent.
Here are five superstars from NXT or WWE who could thrive in Tony Khan’s AEW.
1. Tyler Breeze
Last month, Tyler Breeze appeared on NXT, a brand he moved from four years ago. It may have been seen as a demotion by some but for Breeze, he is now receiving regular screen time again and recently featured at an NXT TakeOver.
It was refreshing to see him modernise himself, having had a successful gimmick as one half of the Fashion Police alongside Fandango. His stint with the Fashion Police could be what is needed in AEW, should Breeze be presented with creative input. Its comedy brought light relief, which is not only appreciated by the casual audience but also hardcore wrestling fans.
Prince Pretty is building himself up at the moment and should he consider swapping to AEW, then they could be a platform for him. Similar to Shawn Spears, he fits the mould of someone who could capably jump over to the new kids on the block. Breeze started in FCW (the former feeder to WWE) so his tenure may prevent him from leaving, given just how long he’s been tied to the WWE.
Honestly. It isn’t my company. And I signed on to work for this company. So at takeover and for years, I showed exactly what and who I am. It’s their choice professionally however they want to use me. It’s up to me whether or not I wanna sign that paper saying I’m ok with that https://t.co/jOYdnXz08y— Prince Pretty (@MmmGorgeous) June 3, 2019
A recent tweet from Breeze stated how he was content with his role in WWE. This could be a signal that Breeze is happy with the company and isn’t looking to move.
2. EC3
EC3 was a believable character in Impact Wrestling and earned much respect for his time with the company.
Since returning to the WWE, he has had an okay run with NXT before being moved to the main roster this year.
However, since being promoted and featuring mostly on RAW, he has only been involved in comedy segments.
The general consensus surrounding the wrestling community is that they want to see EC3 used more as a serious competitor.
Given EC3 is a former World Champion, he has plenty of pedigree. To my mind, there’s no reason why he wouldn’t excel in a company willing to give him a push.
3. Luke Harper
If Harper were to move to AEW then he would have to improve on his injury record – which is no mean feat. The former Wyatt Family member was out for three months and saw WWE extend his contract due to his injury.
Harper himself has reportedly requested a WWE release, so his intentions to leave the company have been signalled. The aforementioned injuries and the injury extension clause that is seemingly part of the WWE contracts both mean that it could be some time before he is allowed to leave his current employment.
His previous time on the independent scene would fit the AEW model, in regards to bringing in those who have excelled there and allowing them to showcase their talents on a bigger platform.
4. Rusev
Rusev Day was one of the most popular gimmicks in professional wrestling. Now it has fallen from prominence, as the Bulgarian Brute has been largely absent from programming.
Should he and Lana consider a move across to AEW then he could aim to recapture the heat he received as that stereotypical foreign heel that he had in his original main roster run. He could even move away from the stereotypical foreign heel gimmick and accept the naturla adulation he seems to receive from fans.
Rusev would be a costly departure to WWE, given that he has been involved in the developmental territories since 2010. It would represent a huge outlay of time and money for WWE, but their loss would be AEW’s gain
5. Sasha Banks
Currently inactive from WWE due to personal reasons, Sasha Banks is one of the biggest names on this list.
She has had a remarkable rise since appearing on NXT for three years. One of the leading figures of the Women’s revolution in WWE, Banks could be a statement of intent for AEW, should they secure her services. She has often been cast as a wantaway star by the rumour mill and time will tell if that conjecture is correct.
Other than Awesome Kong, AEW haven’t really ventured into former WWE alumni in regards to female wrestlers, so Banks could be the one to start off a trend.
However, The Daily Express has reported that she could have a possible summer return, having participated in a WWE 2K20 video shoot. This would seemingly contradict the rumours flying around, but it wouldn’t be the first time a media source has been wrong.
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