5 AEW stars who could join WWE in 2025

WWE could witness the addition of many prominent AEW stars to its roster in 2025. Despite having a high-quality talent pool, Tony Khan has not been able to utilize certain stars to their fullest potential.

There are numerous performers in All Elite Wrestling who have struggled to get their breakthrough moment in the Jacksonville-based promotion. These specific stars would be in search of a career resurgence, which could lead them to join WWE in 2025.

While certain stars could leave once their contract with AEW expires, others could ask the company management to hand them their official release. In this article, let's look at five talents that could leave AEW for WWE next year.

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#5. Wardlow could be on his way out of All Elite Wrestling

For one of AEW's most popular homegrown talents, Wardlow's wrestling career has taken a sudden nosedive in the last few years. Since losing the TNT Championship in the fall of 2022, Mr. Mayhem has struggled to regain the intimidating presence he once had.

Wardlow is currently a member of The Undisputed Kingdom, a group that was once expected to catapult the 36-year-old star into the main event scene. Matt Taven, Wardlow's current stablemate, recently revealed that the behemoth star is dealing with a severe knee injury at the moment, and there is no proper timeline for his return.

With Mr. Mayhem being unable to contribute to AEW in any significant way, Tony Khan might be prompted to let the popular star go in 2025. The former TNT Champion could get released from the Jacksonville-based promotion next year, leading him to sign a contract with WWE eventually.

The Stamford-based promotion would be ecstatic about acquiring the services of Wardlow, who could thrive in the character-centric environment of WWE.

#4. Ricky Starks could be a good fit

Ricky Starks is one of the most charismatic stars on the AEW roster. The Stroke Daddy is a solid in-ring performer, and his exceptional mic skills help him sustain his huge popularity.

Unfortunately, Tony Khan has not been able to capitalize on Starks' untapped potential. The Absolute One was last seen on television in March 2024 and has reportedly been kept off the AEW programming due to creative differences.

The former FTW Champion could leave All Elite Wrestling very soon. Following years of underutilization under Tony Khan's leadership, The Absolute One might consider taking his talents to WWE next year.

Losing Ricky Starks would be a huge blow to the Jacksonville-based promotion. One of the brightest young talents in the business, Starks could finally get his opportunity to shine in the Triple H-led company.

#3. The Lucha Bros will likely join WWE next year

Rey Fenix and Penta El Zero Miedo, popularly known as The Lucha Bros, have been the cornerstones of the AEW tag team division for years. Having achieved almost everything in the Jacksonville-based promotion, the athletic duo now looks set to join WWE soon.

As per recent reports, Tony Khan is considering extending Rey Fenix's contract with AEW for one more year, intending to make up for the time lost during his injury break. Although this decision might delay The Lucha Brothers' imminent WWE arrival, the duo might end up in the Stamford-based promotion next year.

The former AEW World Tag Team Champions could kick off their WWE journey by joining NXT once Rey Fenix officially becomes a free agent in 2025. Once they conquer the NXT tag team division, the two luchadors could eventually set their sights on RAW and SmackDown.

#2. Miro could part ways with AEW soon

Miro is expected to leave AEW in the near future. The Redeemer recently asked for his release from the Tony Khan-led company, having become dissatisfied with his role in the Jacksonville-based promotion.

The Bulgarian Brute's character has been struggling with a lack of creative direction since he lost his TNT Championship in the fall of 2021. The former United States Champion is likely to return to the Triple H-led company if Tony Khan grants him his release in the upcoming months.

After achieving massive success during his initial years, Miro would not have expected his AEW run to end this way. The Redeemer would hope to revive his wrestling career by striking a deal with WWE, a company that helped him grow into the performer he is today.

#1. Malakai Black would thrive in a Triple H-led WWE

Malakai Black's contract with AEW is reportedly set to expire in early 2025. The Dutch Destroyer has been signed to the Jacksonville-based promotion for over four years now, but he has yet to find any major success as a solo performer.

While he has made an impact in the Trios division, Malakai Black has yet to taste championship gold in the singles division. Despite being a total package in the squared circle, The Striking Man from Amsterdam has struggled to find his footing in All Elite Wrestling.

Interestingly, Malakai Black was at the peak of his popularity in WWE NXT, a brand that was built as per the vision of Triple H. Now that The Game is in charge of creative direction on the main roster, The Dutch Destroyer would be tempted to return to his former employers.

The Cerebral Assassin could give Black his well-deserved singles push, something that Tony Khan could not achieve. Once his current contract expires, signing with WWE seems like a logical move for the former NXT Champion.