Hi folks! Today, we’re looking at a list of non-WWE wrestlers we would like to see sign on the dotted line with AEW (All Elite Wrestling). The first 20 entries are from Facebook replies to a post asking who they would like to see. The last 10 are my own personal choices; although several of the FB choices I’d have gone with too. To be clear, we’ll never see AEW hire all these men & women together, as they won’t want to book around a bloated roster.
Be sure to check out my previous article if you missed it. A collaboration with Richard Staple, where we highlighted WWE Superstars in need of a reboot: 6 WWE Superstars Who Would Benefit from a Reboot
Each entry includes an explanation of the individual or team’s status, along with how likely I think they will sign with AEW in the near future. When I say near future? I mean within a calendar year. In some cases it was difficult to estimate the probability, so forgive me if I could not provide a clean answer. I’d like to thank our loyal Facebook followers for the contribution! Cheers everyone.
1. Brian Cage
“The Machine” Brian Cage is a freak of nature. Don’t let his look fool you, he can move as good as anyone. When he signed with Impact Wrestling, it seemed a foregone conclusion he would quickly rise to claim the World title. But he didn’t .. instead, he was made to earn it with over a years worth of hard graft. When he did get a shot, he was screwed several times in his feud with Johnny Impact; before finally getting his revenge (and the title) at Rebellion.
But winning came at a price .. as after the title match, the boss of Impact Wrestling had to drive Cage to the hospital. The status of the World Heavyweight Championship remains unclear, after the doctor stated he suffered a serious spinal injury he may never fully recover from. While it would be interesting to see what he could do on a bigger stage, he’s crucial to Impact’s long-term plans. Also, we have no idea how long he will be sidelined .. so it’s very unlikely we’ll see it happen any time soon. I wouldn’t want to see him return to action before he’s healthy. Probability: Unlikely
2. Chris Adonis (Masters)
He’s not done much since leaving WWE 8 years ago. Jeff Jarrett used him prominently in GFW .. but when he moved over to Impact? He was quickly relegated. The last we saw, Chris Adonis was running around after Eli Drake as his lackey. He left the company due to creative having nothing for him other than a managerial role.
He has connections, so I’d be surprised if he didn’t already send out feelers. There’s a few in AEW who have worked with him, so they know what he’s capable of. Yet, while he has an impressive physique, does he have what it takes to be more? Would AEW be capable of molding him into something fresh? I don’t believe so. Nothing against the guy, but I think if he was gonna’ be a big deal? It would’ve happened a decade ago. Probability: Unlikely
3. CM Punk
CM Punk confirmed? Always. Just kidding, we all know Mr. Brooks’ return to wrestling is confirmed every other month. And while he could surprise us with one of the biggest returns of all time .. I’m sure he’s enjoying a less damaging schedule doing movies and commentating for CFFC. Could he make a surprise appearance down the road? Sure, anything’s possible, but not for a few years. Sorry Punk fans, he seems content in his new life. Probability: Very Unlikely
4. Cody Hall
The son of Scott Hall showed potential in his time with New Japan as a member of the Bullet Club. Teaming with the Young Bucks, it seems likely they’ll bring him in when the time is right. His father might join too, as his manager. At least til Cody is big enough to make it on his own. His lack of experience needs to be corrected. Probability: Very Likely
5. Darius Lockhart
I’m not going to lie, I did not know who Darius Lockhart is til I made this. The one thing he gets across? Is his ability to inspire. Credited to his website, these words help us to understand the kind of person he is:
Born September 24th, 1995, Darius Lockhart is a native Charlottean with a passion for performance. At age 12, Lockhart fell in love with the art of Professional Wrestling, and decided he would dedicate his life to the craft.
At 17 years old, Darius began his Professional wrestling training at the Highspots Pro-Wrestling School under the tutelage of “Mr Number One” George South, WWE Superstar Cedric Alexander, and Impact Wrestling star Caleb Konley. Lockhart would go on to have his first professional match August 15th, 2013 and continue his wrestling career all while attending the University of North Carolina Greensboro.
He graduated May 12th, 2017 with a Degree in Communication Studies and a minor in African Diaspora Studies. Since then, Lockhart has become world traveled, wrestling not only across the country and coastal regions, but also overseas in the United Kingdom. There he spent four months living and training with World of Sport and British Wrestling Legend, Marty Jones.
Lockhart has continued to thrive within the world of sports entertainment, aiming to use his platform in order to evoke change on a social and political level, spreading a positive message of hope and resiliency against hate. He claims “I couldn’t attend every protest, so I took the protests with me.” His motto: “Be A Revolutionary.”
Throughout his journey, Lockhart has also formed previous alliances with tag partners Caleb Konley and Zane Riley, to form the faction known as “The Revolt!,” as well as a brief tag team run with Caprice Coleman, coming together to be known as, “The Vanguard.” In addition to his public persona, Lockhart aims to be a communal servant, volunteering when possible, all in effort to see the growth of his city, the world, and most importantly – the people.
Lockhart states, “Be who you needed when you were younger. Be the change you want to see in the world, be a mother, a father, be whatever your heart desires – but whatever you are – make sure that you’re a revolutionary. It’s in all of us. Probability: Unknown
6. Eli Drake
Dummy! Yeah! The “Namer Of Dummies” recently surprised Impact Wrestling fans with his departure. In fact, it wasn’t too surprising considering how poorly he was booked after Austin Aries waltzed in and snatched the World title from him. What lead to his leaving? At the time, it was implied he had asked for his release .. but it wasn’t true. After being asked to face Tessa Blanchard at the United We Stand PPV, Drake refused to do it .. criticizing intergender wrestling and the way creative booked him. Due to a breach of contract, he was fired via email on April 7th.
With this knowledge, it makes the probability hard to predict. Do AEW want to work with someone who isn’t a team player? Or would they agree with his choice? I’m leaning more towards them frowning on the decision, seen as they’re actively promoting diversity. AEW doesn’t need anyone who isn’t willing to do the job, even if it means facing a woman in a competitive match. We got Joey Ryan vs. Tessa Blanchard instead, which was better than what we would’ve got with E—-Li—- Drake .. Dummy? Yeah! Probability: Unlikely
7. James Storm
Talk about riding off in to the sunset, it’s “Cowboy” James Storm. Little is known about his career since leaving Impact, other than he’s worked a few indie shows. At 41 years, he’s got some fuel left in the tank if he’s up for another run on TV. There’s so many fresh talents he could work with, and it would be a new challenge on the biggest platform he may ever get the chance to work on. In 2017, he welcomed his second child in to the world, so his lighter schedule could just be him wanting to spend quality time with the family.
I think AEW would sign him with no hesitation, but the ball is in his court. The last I saw, he wasn’t in the best condition. He’d put on a lot of weight, and couldn’t move like he could a few years ago. Even if he doesn’t want to work a full-time schedule? He’d make a great producer along with Billy Gunn, Dean Malenko and Jerry Lynn. I reckon it will happen within a year, if the weekly show proves successful. Probability: Likely
8. Jay Lethal
If there’s one thing I know about Jay Lethal, it’s that he remains loyal. And while I’m sure he could make better money in AEW, I think he values the main event spotlight more. Mixing it up between ROH and New Japan suits him, and he’s probably glad much of his competition left.
He has the same mindset as some of the others below, in wanting to prove the relationship of ROH & New Japan can rise above All Elite. It would be a massive blow to ROH if Lethal left .. so they’ll do everything to keep him happy. I feel like he’d be lost in the mix anyways. Probability: Very Unlikely
9. Jeff Cobb
What a beast. I’ve only seen him a handful of times, but there’s no denying he’s a star. Such amazing, natural athleticism for a big man. He’s very likely to be asked to join AEW at some point, and why would he turn it down? Just like Jay Lethal though, we know ROH and NJPW will do everything to keep him. He’s got unfinished business, so I’m not expecting him to jump ship til he gets a shot at becoming a ROH World Champ or IWGP Heavyweight Champ; and that will take time. Probability: 50/50
10. Johnny Impact
Johnny [insert name] is one of my least favourite wrestlers. Sorry if you’re a fan, but everything about him irks me. I know he’s not the worst wrestler ever, and I also know he has some star power. But his ring work is questionable, and his unorthodox style doesn’t help.
He’s also repeatedly botching the ends of matches .. so is he needed? Not really. Good enough for the main event scene in Impact Wrestling or Lucha Underground, but I’d be shocked if AEW showed interest. If he does manage to creep in with Taya Valkyrie? It’s down to old WWE connections. I can’t see either of ’em being a good fit. Probability: Unlikely (unless connections)
11. Jordynne Grace
You might remember her from All In; if you watched the battle royal. She lasted a long time against the men, even getting chance to eliminate some. I assumed she’d stick around for AEW, but instead, she signed a contract with Impact. Considering Jordynne debuted in 2011, not much is known about her career before last year.
I feel like .. she decided to join Impact to prove she can be a valuable commodity. She wants to claim the Knockouts Championship, and show she can be as dominant as her figure suggests. With that said, I really can’t see her joining AEW til her goals have been achieved. Probability: Very Unlikely
12. Kazuchika Okada
RAINMAKER! Wouldn’t it be a dream? Seeing the legend Kazuchika Okada roll in to AEW with a sly grin? The anticipation of his entrance .. the crowd welcoming him with open arms; AEW would never be the same again.
But wait!? Okada is New Japan for life? Sadly, he is very much so. At the G1 Supercard from Madison Square Garden, Okada proved his life belongs to New Japan. If it were allowed? I could see him working for AEW via cross-promotional, but he will never leave NJPW entirely. That is, unless someone bigger is ready to take his place? And we all know that’s not happening any day soon. Probability: Very Unlikely
13. Kings of the North
They are rated as being some of the best Irish wrestlers not signed to WWE. Again, I will not claim I have seen their work, but this is what AEW needs. If you want a fresh product, you need to bring in fresh faces, and I’d very much like to see what the Kings of the North are capable of. I can’t rate how probable it is, because as we can see .. there’s so much competition. If anyone wants to explain what makes these guys great? Go ahead in the comments section. If you would like to see ’em take on the War Machine Viking Raiders Experience, skip the video to the 5-minute mark. Probability: Unknown
14. Kota Ibushi
For those who kept up with AEW’s early updates, Kenny Omega confirmed Kota Ibushi would not be joining them because he aspires to become the IWGP Heavyweight Champion. And can we blame him? I don’t think Ibushi wants to be stuck in Omega’s shadow anyways. Wait til he’s achieved what he wanted .. then a Golden Lovers reunion becomes probable. Probability: Very Unlikely
15. Marty Scurll
“The Villain” feels like the odd one out. I’m not sure what happened between him and The Elite, but he certainly didn’t want to drop everything to join AEW. Cody (and co.) have taken shots at him since, despite working closely together in the Bullet Club. Are they just working the fans while he’s committed elsewhere? Or is there some heat? I don’t know. If you know why? Please let me know. (I don’t watch all the BTE shows)
I understand him wanting to branch out on his own, as the leader of Villain Enterprises. By going along with the rest, he would’ve kept following the trend. So is it a matter of wanting to prove to his former Club buddies he’s worth more than they think? He needs to start winning some major titles soon, or he will fade in to the darkness. I think it’s unlikely he will sign soon, because it’s logical to assume he would be there already if nothing’s getting in the way. Probability: Unlikely
Villain Enterprises is expanding.
We will look all over the world to find the 4th member. #villain ☔️ pic.twitter.com/xFek48ACJ2— Marty Scurll (@MartyScurll) May 9, 2019
16. Ryback
Controversy time! Feed me more .. Ryback! Let’s sign a dude known for being careless in the ring, as well as the canny ability to keep himself in the news. On one hand, he left WWE over equal pay (sticking up for the women) and creative issues (like Moxley). On the other, his reputation was tarnished due to injuring Dolph Ziggler, as well as CM Punk claiming he took “20 years off his life” and “broke his ribs”. Chris Jericho defended him, stating he never saw anything dangerous when he worked him; and it was always fun.
Conflicting huh? Honestly, I don’t think he’s as bad as some make him out to be. I also think he had a tough time in WWE, due to the way they presented him as the new Goldberg. Had his introduction been done differently? He wouldn’t have been compared to Goldberg, Ultimate Warrior, and Rob Van Dam’s tights all rolled in to one body. “Feed Me More” was getting over, but WWE did away with it entirely. He is currently undefeated on the Indy scene for almost two years. I think it’s possible we’ll see him in AEW, but expect something different. They’ll want to get him as far away from cosplaying Goldberg as they can. Probability: Likely
17. Sami Callihan
How does one predict the actions of Sami Callihan? You don’t. This disgusting, foul human being has become one of the most valued assets in Impact Wrestling. How has he done it without winning any titles? Simple, by leading the villainous stable Ohio Versus Everything (oVe). And now he’s so valuable, Impact will have to keep him sweet. AEW encourages blood and the hardcore style, so Callihan would fit in along with Jimmy Havoc, Joey Janela, and others who enjoy getting extreme.
We should think back to when Callihan called out Chris Jericho. Sami wanted to face Jericho on the cruise, but nothing came of it. Maybe one day we’ll get it? But it’s not happening til his contract runs out. For Callihan and oVe, there’s so much left to do in Impact. The question is .. does he care about winning titles? Or is he more motivated by money? It’s hard to say. I think he’ll stay with Impact til he feels there’s nothing left to achieve. I give it another two years before he starts thinking AEW. Probability: Unlikely
18. The Briscoe Brothers
The most successful tag team in ROH are still working as hard as ever for the promotion they love. What’s left to achieve though? Can they stay loyal and motivated? It’s hard to say. The point can be made .. that it doesn’t matter what we’d like to see, it’s important to know if moving on is right for them.
They might want to win more titles in New Japan? Before setting new goals. Or they could decide to stick with what they know? Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It will be interesting to see what happens next, because they’ve achieved so much already. Wherever they end up, The Briscoe Brothers are bound for success. AEW already has several tag teams, so I’m leaning towards unlikely. Probability: Unlikely
19. Wade Barrett (Stu Bennett)
I’m afraid I’ve got some BAD NEWS! *bangs gavel* – How can you not appreciate Wade Barrett? He’s always happy. As the on-air authority figure of World Of Sport, I find it unlikely he will leave it. World of Sport is special to the British fans. Without it, we wouldn’t have legends like Big Daddy, Giant Haystacks and Kendo Nagasaki. So I wouldn’t blame him in the slightest, for staying loyal to the cause.
However, the problem with WoS is its excessive wait times between seasons. It’s not a full-time gig, and there’s no promise it will stay alive. Good news though, as it was confirmed (this week) the next season is being taped. If WoS can expand its schedule, increasing the amount of shows year-on-year? Bennett will not be available. But if something goes wrong? His connections with Chris Jericho guarantees a spot, whether it be working as a wrestler, commentator, on-air authority figure, or a producer/trainer. Probability: Very Unlikely
20. Will Ospreay
Speaking of British talent, Will Ospreay is another I enjoyed seeing on World of Sport last year. While his girlfriend Bea Priestley has already signed, Ospreay recently stated he wanted AEW to strike a deal with New Japan; and only then will he consider signing a deal.
“Probably not. Unless, if NJPW does a little business deal with them. I hope they do, I really do. I’d love to do some work with AEW. But as far as ‘Would I sign a contract with AEW?’. Absolutely not”.
Ospreay explains why he would not like to sign exclusively with the All Elite Wrestling:
“It requires me to move to America. It’s not that I don’t like America, it’s just I like Japan. I love everything about Japan. love England as well. I wouldn’t get to see my family. Although, you could counter argue it- there could be some stuff.”
This concludes the entries given by our Facebook followers. Thanks everyone! Probability: Unlikely
21. AJ Lee
Going with my own choices til the end. It would be out of this world if AJ Lee popped up, even if it were by herself. She’s still young enough to work at a top level, but she seems to have shifted her focus to writing. Having wrote a book which made it to the top 10 of The New York Times Best Sellers list, she’s currently working on a second. There’s also an upcoming movie called Rabid, where she’ll play the role of Kira. Would love to see her in a professional wrestling environment though .. please? Probability: Unlikely
22. Bandido
Bandido is so fun to watch. The Young Bucks brought him over for All In, and he impressed the world in the six-man tag match main event; also featuring Rey Mysterio & Rey Fenix against The Young Bucks & Kota Ibushi. Having signed with Ring of Honor, it makes me wonder if there were problems in the negotiations with AEW? Perhaps they feel he isn’t ready yet? Having signed with ROH only last month, we’re gonna have to wait to find out how long his contract is. Probability: Unlikely
23. Killer Kross
One of my favourite promo guys in any promotion today. Killer Kross is magic on the mic, and pretty good in the ring considering he’s only been wrestling since 2014. The sky is the limit .. and honestly? While I appreciate Impact giving him a platform, I feel they are holding him back. There’s so much potential, and I think AEW would handle the job of taking his character to the next level.
With wanting out of his contract, as well as being backstage at AEW Double or Nothing .. Killer Kross’ jump is inevitable. I’m hoping he’s able to get free, because he needs to be unleashed in to the nightmares of children. As he would coldly say .. while staring through your soul .. “Tick Tock”. Probability: Very Likely
24. LAX (Ortiz, Santana & Konnan)
Kudos to Impact & Konnan. They took these young nobodies, and molded them in to an exciting team who can claim to be the best in the world. Seriously, if you have not been watching Impact or any of the PPVs, you’ve missed out on all the fun feuds with oVe, the OGz, and The Lucha Brothers. Something tells me Konnan has too much invested in Impact, MLW, and other promotions to leave for AEW. The least we should expect? Is for LAX to dominate the tag team division til it’s time to move on to something else. These kids have a long way to go. Probability: Unlikely
25. Low Ki
Why not? He’s still going strong. It’s funny how he keeps falling out of favour with Impact, along with his reasoning behind leaving WWE after winning the game show version of NXT (couldn’t handle the schedule). All I know is, he’s fun to watch with the right opponents.
Book him in an X-Division style contest and he’ll excel. He usually ends up being forced in to a stable, which I think is wrong. Low Ki is stronger when he stands alone. I’m expecting it to happen when his exclusive contract with MLW runs out. He’d make a solid enhancement talent for the next generation, and even better mentor. His smooth voice would make a great manager too. Probability: Likely
26. Moose
He’s on the verge of stardom. Moose has improved his ring work, character and promos so much since we first saw him in ROH. I think he could go anywhere after Impact, he’ll probably shop around and see what the other companies are willing to offer.
I think a run in NXT is more likely than AEW, but it depends what he wants. He’s big, athletic, charismatic, and improving all the time. I don’t think Impact is doing enough for him at the moment, but that could change if Brian Cage can’t return, and Killer Kross jumps. If Impact let him slip through their fingers? There’s bound to be a bidding war for Moose Nation. Probability: Likely
27. PCO
I cannot adequately describe how insane PCO is. Why would you electrocute yourself? And even worse .. why would you let someone throw darts in to your chest? It’s madness. Definitely not WWE friendly .. but is he AEW friendly? I think so, although TV-14 likely means some restrictions. At 51 years, he’s in amazing shape. As a member of Villain Enterprises, it doesn’t seem likely in the short-term (Marty Scurll association), but I can see him featuring in some hilarious cameos when his schedule lightens. Probability: Unlikely
28. Rosemary
The last three are the biggest names in the Knockouts division. Much like Killer Kross, Rosemary has a dark character she plays to perfection. She’s probably most remembered for her time with the stable Decay (w/ Abyss & Crazzy Steve), in their feud with The Broken Hardys. Impact purposely left this part out in her “5 Greatest Moments”.
I want to say it’s very unlikely she will jump to AEW for a number of reasons. Firstly, she signed a new contract in February. Secondly, I think Impact gives her a decent schedule, and she’s not having to work as hard as she would in AEW. She has guaranteed airtime, so it’s steady income. And when she’s done wrestling? She can fall back on acting. Wouldn’t it be great though? Seeing The Demon Assassin in AEW? She’d be perfect as a wrestler, manager, or as a writer in creative. Probability: Unlikely
29. Scarlett Bordeaux
Mixed feelings here, because I believe Impact did a great job introducing her. But the second she turned face? All downhill from there. Don’t get me wrong, she’s done wonders for Fallah Bahh as his manager .. but I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s frustrated with the lack of matches. Ok yes, she’s been wrestling guys and getting wins over them, but when she’s against other women? It’s only in battle royals.
The division has Taya Valkyrie, Madison Rayne, Tessa Blanchard, Rosemary, Su Yung, Kiera Hogan, Jordynne Grace, and others fighting for airtime. Like Killer Kross, Scarlett requested her release, in addition to being backstage at AEW Double or Nothing. While it feels like a grand waste of time building her up, Impact may have to take this one on the chin. Probability: Very Likely
30. Tessa Blanchard
The 23-year-old diamond is preparing for the big time. We’ve touched on so many names here, and not many can claim to have more potential than the daughter of Tully Blanchard. What’s interesting about Tessa’s future? She has two paths. She could either a) join WWE and compete with the likes of Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch and Ronda Rousey, or b) join AEW and become the face of professional women’s wrestling.
A difficult choice either way, because she’s a Blanchard. Does she take the safe route by going through the WWE system which rejected her in 2017? Or does she lead a revolution? Which path would you choose? When her Impact contract is up, she will have to make the biggest decision of her life. I’m hoping for AEW, but wouldn’t be upset if she returned to NXT. Probability: 50/50
Conclusion
AEW does not need to rely on every WWE castoff with a sense of entitlement, as there’s plenty of talent out there. Seriously, 30 examples is only scratching the surface; there’s dozens more I could’ve included. If AEW is able to draw the biggest talents away? It will be hard to match. We’re already seeing the ripples, and they’ll soon become waves. Exciting times.
When I got in to wrestling, I was unlucky to catch the back end of The Attitude Era, so it’s refreshing to experience a new era brimming with real competition. What is crucial, is how they implement the weekly TV show. Can they attract viewers and keep them? Will the booking be fair? And how much time are they reserving for promos and character development? – I’d like to end this by asking who you would like to see? No holds barred choices, whether it be WWE, semi-retired legends, or young indy guys/girls no one’s heard of .. I’d like to know who you think will boost AEW’s roster.
As always, I appreciate everyone who takes time out of their day to read up on my thoughts. Next month, there’s plans for another Royal Rumble piece, as well as something about WWE’s recent controversies. Wherever you are, I wish you a good day. Thank you.
