AEW Can’t—and Shouldn’t—Sign Everyone After WWE’s Cuts
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On May 2nd, WWE made its annual post-WrestleMania roster cuts, releasing 17 wrestlers across the main roster and NXT. As expected, this move sparked a wave of speculation among fans about which talents might end up in AEW. While it’s tempting to imagine a flood of WWE names jumping ship, AEW must tread carefully. Their recent track record with former WWE signings has been mixed, and the current roster already faces issues with overcrowding and underutilization. Here’s a breakdown of the most talked-about releases—and whether a move to AEW makes sense for them.
Top Names for AEW: Dakota Kai & Shayna Baszler
Two names that immediately caught the attention of fans and pundits alike are Dakota Kai (also known as Evie) and Shayna Baszler. On paper, both would be strong additions to AEW’s women’s division, which is currently enjoying its most consistent and compelling run since the company’s inception.
Dakota Kai brings charisma, in-ring versatility, and experience as a tag and singles competitor. However, her recent string of injuries could make her a risky signing in the short term. AEW’s women’s division already struggles with depth and momentum, and adding an injury-prone talent could slow their progress.
Shayna Baszler, on the other hand, has strong ties to current AEW talent Marina Shafir, which makes her a more logical addition culturally and personally. Her MMA-influenced style is distinct. But, it might not mesh well with AEW’s current in-ring aesthetic, which leans more toward high-speed, technical wrestling. In the long term, she could be valuable, but only if the company commits to building a division where her style fits organically.
Ultimately, while both Kai and Baszler are favorites among fans, it may be wiser for AEW to hold off. Allowing them time on the indie scene could give them a chance to rediscover their form—and give AEW a better read on their long-term viability.
Toxic Past: Shotzi, Cora Jade, Braun Strowman
Shotzi and Cora Jade (Elayna Black) share similar career trajectories and unfortunately, similar obstacles when it comes to a potential AEW run. Both have previously made dismissive or critical remarks about AEW and its talent on social media. While wrestling has seen its fair share of fences mended, those comments likely hurt their chances—at least for now.
These two seem more likely to appear in promotions like GCW or make appearances in the independent scene, where they can rebuild their brands and develop further without the high expectations of a major televised product.
Braun Strowman is a different case entirely. Once considered a marquee name in WWE, his decline has been steep. Injuries have caught up with him, and his in-ring work has always been limited. After his previous WWE release, Strowman co-founded the short-lived Control Your Narrative promotion, which failed to gain meaningful traction. Another similar project may be his best option, as there’s little value for AEW—or even TNA—in picking him up.
Potential Sleeper for AEW: Jakara Jackson
Jakara Jackson is perhaps the most intriguing of the lesser-known names released. While she’s still developing, her charisma and presence suggest untapped potential. AEW doesn’t have the strongest track record when it comes to nurturing inexperienced talent from the ground up—particularly in the women’s division—so a stint in Japan (perhaps with Stardom or TJPW) or on the U.S. indie scene could serve her well.
TNA could also be a suitable landing spot for Jackson, especially if she hopes to keep the door open for a future WWE return. AEW should keep tabs on her progression, but not rush into a signing.
Likely Indie-Bound: Gigi Dolin, Gallus, Javier Bernal, Eddy Thorpe
Several of the released names—such as Gigi Dolin (Priscilla Kelly), Gallus, Javier Bernal, and Eddy Thorpe—aren’t immediate fits for AEW. That doesn’t mean their careers are over. Many of them have strong indie or international experience and could thrive in smaller promotions where they’ll receive more consistent booking and character development.
For Dolin in particular, a return to her more provocative and gritty indie persona might help rebuild her fanbase and buzz outside the WWE machine. Whether these talents aim to return to WWE down the line or find success in Japan, Europe, or the U.S. indie circuit, AEW isn’t necessarily the right next step.
AEW’s Evolving Philosophy: Learning from Past Mistakes
AEW’s experience with ex-WWE talent has been inconsistent at best. Wrestlers like Rusev (Miro), Andrade El Idolo, and Malakai Black (Aleister Black) arrived with hype but struggled with momentum, injuries, or creative direction. These signings caused AEW to rethink its strategy—Tony Khan has been much more selective in recent months, focusing instead on homegrown and international stars with untapped potential.
This approach has paid off. Wrestlers like Swerve Strickland, Konosuke Takeshita, and Will Ospreay have flourished, delivering in-ring quality and star presence. AEW should continue this trend, signing wrestlers who bring fresh energy and style rather than those looking for a second act after a lukewarm WWE run.
WWE’s recent cuts present a mix of opportunity and caution for AEW. While names like Dakota Kai and Shayna Baszler offer upside, the company must weigh short-term buzz against long-term fit. AEW has outgrown the early strategy of signing every available name, and the results speak for themselves. The future lies in fostering talent with a distinct identity—whether from the indies, Japan, or elsewhere—not just picking up names that WWE couldn’t make work.
In the end, AEW should sign selectively, stay true to its original identity, and resist the temptation to chase headlines. Wrestling is a long game.
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