6 AEW Stars Who Could Join WWE Next

 Over the last year, several high-profile AEW stars, including Brian Pillman Jr., Jade Cargill, Ethan Page, and CM Punk, have transitioned to WWE. This movement between promotions isn’t new—it’s a reflection of the dynamic nature of the professional wrestling industry. Having multiple wrestling promotions allows talent to explore new opportunities, gain more creative control, or simply find a better fit for their character and wrestling style. As AEW continues to evolve, some of its early stars may be eyeing a future in WWE. Here are six AEW talents who could potentially make the jump next.

1. Hook: The Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil’s WWE Potential

Hook, the son of legendary wrestler Taz, has been one of AEW’s breakout stars since his debut. With an impressive career record of 57-10, Hook quickly became a fan favorite, despite his minimalist approach to promos and character development. His unique persona as the “Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil” and his association with the FTW Championship—an unsanctioned title his father created—have made him a standout in AEW.

However, despite his success, Hook has yet to capture a major AEW title, and his booking has been somewhat inconsistent. As WWE continues to expand its roster with young, charismatic talent, Hook could be a perfect fit. WWE’s established history and broader global reach might appeal to Hook as he looks to solidify his legacy in the wrestling world. A potential move to WWE could see him involved in high-profile feuds and possibly earning a shot at one of WWE’s prestigious championships.

2. Wardlow: Could Mr. Mayhem Find His Place in WWE?

Wardlow’s journey in AEW began as MJF’s bodyguard, but he quickly outgrew this role and became one of the company’s most popular “monster” faces. His physical presence and dominant in-ring style drew comparisons to WWE’s Brock Lesnar, leading many to believe he was destined for greatness. However, Wardlow’s booking as TNT Champion fell short of expectations, with inconsistent storytelling and a lack of sustained momentum.

In recent months, Wardlow has been conspicuously absent from AEW programming, leading to speculation about his future. WWE has a long history of effectively booking larger-than-life characters like Wardlow, and a move to WWE could reignite his career. Under Triple H’s leadership, Wardlow could be positioned as a top-tier star, potentially facing off against WWE’s biggest names in high-stakes matches.

3. Dustin Rhodes & Bryan Danielson: Will These Legends End Their Careers in WWE?

Dustin Rhodes, a wrestling veteran with a career spanning multiple decades and promotions, has seen a resurgence in AEW after a turbulent period in his life. At 55 years old, Rhodes has proven that he can still deliver compelling matches and captivating storylines. With his brother Cody Rhodes now one of WWE’s top stars, a return to WWE to end his career alongside his family could be a fitting conclusion to his storied career.

Bryan Danielson (formerly known as Daniel Bryan in WWE) has been a cornerstone of AEW since joining the promotion. However, Danielson has repeatedly hinted that he may retire in September 2024, following AEW’s All In event in London. Whether this is a work or a genuine retirement plan remains to be seen, but if Danielson decides to continue wrestling, a final run in WWE would be a fitting end to his illustrious career. Matches against WWE’s current top talents, such as Gunther, Ilja Dragunov, and Bron Breakker, would provide a thrilling finale for one of the greatest technical wrestlers of all time.

4. The Lucha Brothers: WWE’s Next Big Tag Team?

Rey Fenix and Penta El Zero Miedo, collectively known as the Lucha Brothers, are among the most talented and exciting tag teams in the world. Their high-flying, hard-hitting style has made them fan favorites in AEW, where they’ve won both the AEW World Tag Team Championship and the AEW World Trios Championship. Despite their success, the Lucha Brothers have not been featured as prominently as they deserve, particularly in recent months.

The Lucha Brothers’ potential move to WWE could open new doors for the duo. WWE has a storied history of showcasing top-tier tag teams, and the Lucha Brothers could thrive in a division that includes the likes of The Usos, The New Day, and Imperium. Additionally, WWE’s global platform could elevate their profiles even further, introducing them to a broader audience. With the right creative direction, the Lucha Brothers could become one of WWE’s most dominant and beloved tag teams.

5. Ricky Starks: The It Factor Missing from AEW Programming

Ricky Starks is a wrestler who has “the It Factor”—a combination of charisma, in-ring skill, and mic work that makes him stand out in any promotion. After an impressive run as a face in AEW, where he won the AEW World Tag Team Championship with Big Bill, Starks seemed poised for stardom. However, following his title loss earlier this year, Starks has been largely absent from AEW programming, leaving fans wondering what’s next for the talented performer.

Starks’ ties to Cody Rhodes and his undeniable potential make him a prime candidate for a WWE run. WWE has a long history of turning charismatic performers into megastars, and Starks could be the next in line. With the right storylines and rivalries, Starks could quickly become one of WWE’s top faces or heels, potentially even challenging for major titles. His absence from AEW programming could be a strategic move as he waits for his contract to expire, paving the way for a jump to WWE.

The professional wrestling landscape is constantly shifting, with talent moving between promotions in search of new challenges and opportunities. As AEW continues to grow and evolve, it’s only natural that some of its stars may look to WWE as the next step in their careers. Whether it’s Hook exploring his options, Wardlow seeking better booking, or legends like Dustin Rhodes and Bryan Danielson looking to end their careers on the biggest stage, WWE remains an attractive destination for many AEW talents. Fans will be watching closely to see which of these stars makes the jump next and how they will fare in the world of WWE.

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