5 Former WWE names who could make AEW debut at WrestleDream 2024

Bobby Lashley and Shane McMahon are former WWE stars [Image source: wwe.com
Bobby Lashley and Shane McMahon are former WWE stars [Image source: wwe.com and WWE on Peacock]

AEW WrestleDream 2024 is all set to be a high-stakes event. Following the success of All Out 2024, the company would look to continue its momentum by delivering another top-tier pay-per-view.

While stars like MJF and Mercedes Mone will likely miss the upcoming pay-per-view, other top names like Will Ospreay, Bryan Danielson, and Jon Moxley will be in action at WrestleDream 2024. The buildup to the Washington show has been pretty exciting, and fans could expect an event full of excellent wrestling and great storytelling.

Interestingly, Tony Khan may have some other intriguing surprises in store for AEW fans at WrestleDream 2024. The show could witness the arrival of numerous former WWE Superstars, who could change the landscape of All Elite Wrestling forever. In this article, let's look at five ex-WWE stars who could make their debut at WrestleDream 2024.


#5 Trevor Lee could be a major asset to Tony Khan

Trevor Lee (fka Cameron Grimes) was released from WWE in April 2024. The 31-year-old star was once very successful in NXT and captivated the audience with his great in-ring skills and charismatic personality. Unfortunately, Lee did not get many chances to showcase his talent on the main roster, leading to his release from the company.

A versatile performer in the squared circle, Trevor Lee could fit in well in All Elite Wrestling. Having paid his dues on the independent circuit, The Carolina Caveman could use AEW's platform to let the world know about his true potential. Lee could follow in the steps of names like Swerve Strickland and Toni Storm, who revived their respective careers after parting ways with WWE.

The former NXT North American Champion could make a statement by debuting at WrestleDream 2024. Having shown interest in a possible AEW run, The Carolina Caveman could finally join the world-class roster of the Jacksonville-based promotion at the Washington pay-per-view. The 31-year-old star could attack Jack Perry after the latter retains his TNT Championship against Katsuyori Shibata.

Trevor Lee might even be revealed as the latest member of Jon Moxley's villainous faction, where he could instantly replace Wheeler Yuta. No matter what route he takes, Lee is bound to create headlines if he shows up at WrestleDream 2024.

#4 Bobby Lashley could show up at WrestleDream 2024

Bobby Lashley has reportedly signed a contract with AEW. Following years of underutilization under the Triple H-led regime, The All Mighty has seemingly taken matters into his own hands. The Dominator seemingly intends to revamp The Hurt Business with AEW's MVP and Shelton Benjamin.

Interestingly, MVP has been trying to recruit Swerve Strickland to his faction since he arrived in the Jacksonville-based promotion. The Franchise Playa is seemingly working for Bobby Lashley, who could have a face-to-face meeting with Strickland very soon.

With The Killshot being expected to appear at WrestleDream 2024, there is a good possibility that The All Mighty could also show up in Washington's Tacoma Dome to confront the 34-year-old star.

The former WWE Champion could send shockwaves across the wrestling industry by attacking Swerve Strickland in his debut AEW appearance at WrestleDream 2024. Lashley could brutalize a helpless Killshot, who has yet to recover from his brutal match against 'Hangman' Adam Page at All Out 2024.

It would be a great way for The All Mighty to announce his entry into AEW and put the rest of the roster on notice.

#3 Jinder Mahal could be revealed as the mystery assailant at WrestleDream 2024

In an unexpected turn of events, Taz was attacked in the parking lot a few hours before the fifth anniversary of AEW Dynamite. The Human Suplex Machine injured his leg in that altercation and might need to sit on the sidelines for a while.

The incident has drawn the ire of Taz's son, Hook, who now intends to hunt down his father's attacker. Tony Khan could pull off a major swerve at WrestleDream 2024 by revealing Jinder Mahal as the individual who assaulted the veteran commentator.

The Modern Day Maharaja has a storied history with Hook, as the duo had a cheeky back-and-forth on X/Twitter earlier this year. Although Tony Khan took a shot at Mahal's credentials in January 2024, the two individuals could keep their differences aside to deliver an intriguing storyline.

Hook has called out the mystery attacker to confront him on this week's Dynamite. However, Mahal might have him wait for a little longer before eventually revealing himself.

At WrestleDream, The Modern Day Maharaja could blindside The Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil to kick off an exciting rivalry. After retiring the FTW Championship, Hook could continue his upward ascent by taking down the former WWE Champion.

#2 Elias could be a great addition to AEW

The current AEW product is purely wrestling-centric, with the company having many seasoned in-ring performers in its ranks. It wouldn't be a bad idea if Tony Khan recruits some specific free agents, who could generate great crowd reactions solely through their impressive character work.

When we talk about the most charismatic personalities in the business, Elias' name is bound to come up. The Drifter was handed his release from WWE in September 2023 after an eventful run. The former 24/7 Champion has since returned to the independent circuit, where he currently performs with the ring name of Elijah.

If given a proper opportunity, Elias could turn out to be a valuable asset to the Jacksonville-based promotion. The 36-year-old star possesses tremendous mic skills, that allow him to keep the crowd engaged during his promos.

Elias is also pretty decent in the ring and could hang with the majority of the AEW roster in the squared circle. If Tony Khan has any plans to bring in The Drifter, WrestleDream 2024 could be the best place for Elias to make his debut.

#1 Shane McMahon could become All Elite at WrestleDream 2024

Shane McMahon seems to be on his way to All Elite Wrestling. The Prodigal Son has been spotted with numerous AEW stars in recent months, including The Young Bucks. The former WWE Hardcore Champion also held an exclusive meeting with Tony Khan, which hints at his potential arrival in the Tony Khan-led company.

Since his return to AEW, Jon Moxley has been on a rampage. However, The Purveyor of Violence has not taken responsibility for his actions and has claimed that he is working for some greater power. The higher force could turn out to be Shane O'Mac, who could have been secretly planning an AEW invasion all along.

Following months of speculation, The Prodigal Son could finally make his presence felt at WrestleDream 2024. Shane O'Mac could leave the wrestling world stunned by costing Bryan Danielson his AEW World Championship match against Jon Moxley.

Launching an assault on The American Dragon would instantly establish Shane McMahon as a despicable heel in the eyes of the fans. The group's stranglehold on All Elite Wrestling would become even stronger if McMahon helped Jon Moxley capture the AEW World Championship.

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Edited by Pratik Singh