3 Released WWE stars Tony Khan must sign for AEW and 2 he should avoid
AEW has always been very proactive when it comes to signing top international talents. Tony Khan remains significantly active in the free agent market so that no world-class star escapes his radar. In recent years, the Jacksonville-based promotion has struck a deal with numerous former WWE Superstars, who were severely underutilized in the Stamford-based promotion.
From Christian Cage to "Timeless" Toni Storm, a number of ex-WWE talents have witnessed a career resurgence after their arrival in All Elite Wrestling. The company recently brought in names such as MVP, Shelton Benjamin, and Bobby Lashley, who had been overlooked in WWE for a very long time.
The Stamford-based promotion has released a bunch of stars in the last 12-14 months, who could be great assets for the Tony Khan-led company in the future. However, certain talents might not add much value to the Jacksonville-based promotion. In this article, let's look at three released WWE stars Tony Khan must sign and two that he should not.
#3. Talents that AEW must sign: Tegan Nox
Tegan Nox was released by WWE in November 2021, only to be rehired by Triple H in 2022. The Girl with the Shiniest Wizard spent a considerable amount of time on the main roster but was not able to create much impact.
The company seemingly never had any concrete plans for the former NXT talent, prompting them to let go of the 29-year-old star. Although she didn't get many opportunities on the WWE main roster, Tegan Nox could write the next chapter of her wrestling career in All Elite Wrestling.
Nox's first run in NXT was quite memorable, as she was able to prove her worth as a babyface who fans could root for. Apart from her ability to play a sympathetic underdog, Nox is equally adept inside the squared circle, making her a potential asset for AEW.
AEW's budding women's division could be further strengthened by the arrival of The Girl with the Shiniest Wizard. Nox could follow in the footsteps of Toni Storm and Mercedes Mone, formerly known as Sasha Banks, who rebuilt their careers in the Tony Khan-led company after parting ways with WWE.
#2. Talents that AEW shouldn't sign: Matt Riddle
Matt Riddle is an excellent performer in the squared circle and can also hold his own on the microphone. However, The Original Bro's career has been marred with numerous controversies, which was the reason WWE handed him his release in 2023.
It has been 14 months since he left WWE, and Riddle has yet to sign with a mainstream wrestling promotion. Although he has managed to strike a deal with Major League Wrestling (MLW), the 38-year-old has remained off AEW's radar.
As incredible as he is as an in-ring performer, Matt Riddle may not be a good fit for the Jacksonville-based promotion, which has strived to maintain a healthy backstage environment since the CM Punk-Jack Perry fiasco.
Interestingly, Riddle once ran into Tony Khan backstage during an NJPW show, which resulted in a very awkward exchange between the two individuals. After failing to make an impression on the AEW head booker, it is highly unlikely that Riddle would be seen in the Tony Khan-led company once his MLW deal expires.
#2. Talents AEW should sign: Mustafa Ali
Mustafa Ali is a total package. While his in-ring work gets most of the attention, Ali is an incredibly proficient storyteller, who can get fans invested into any storyline that he is in. Surprisingly, WWE never capitalized on the 38-year-old's immense potential, which led to his release from the company in September 2023.
Since he departed from WWE, Ali has competed in several wrestling promotions around the world. From NJPW to TNA Wrestling, the 38-year-old has delivered impressive performances in every company he has stepped into. Although he is yet to strike a deal with AEW, Tony Khan must be keeping an eye on the former TNA X Division Champion.
Mustafa Ali is a special talent who can add great value to the Jacksonville-based promotion. His high-octane wrestling style could help him instantly click with the company's hardcore audience. With his incredible character work, Ali could overshadow other world-class stars on the roster. If Tony Khan looks to further enhance AEW's talent pool, he must add Mustafa to the mix.
#1. Talents AEW shouldn't sign: Jinder Mahal
Jinder Mahal was released from WWE earlier this year after a seven-year-long stint. The Modern Day Maharaja is now back on the independent circuit, where he looks to reinvent himself as a performer.
Despite being a well-recognized figure in the pro wrestling business, AEW might not be the place to be for Mahal at the moment. While he is a decent in-ring performer, the former WWE Champion may not be able to keep up with the other seasoned veterans in the Tony Khan-led company.
Having spent the majority of his WWE career as a lower mid-card act, Mahal does not have much credibility at the moment. Tony Khan himself has pointed out Jinder's weak booking in WWE in the past, and how the 38-year-old star should be nowhere near the top spot.
Apart from a potential feud with Hook, there are not many exciting storyline possibilities for the former United States Champion in All Elite Wrestling.
The Canadian star must upgrade himself from an in-ring perspective before he can become a potential asset to a wrestling-centric promotion like All Elite Wrestling. Jinder Mahal has also had online beef with Tony Khan in the past, which further dampens the possibility of him being signed by the Jacksonville-based promotion.
#1. Talents AEW must sign: Baron Corbin
In a shocking turn of events, WWE decided not to renew Baron Corbin's contract. The Lone Wolf is no longer a part of the WWE roster, and fans are now excited to see where he ends up next. The former King of the Ring is one of the most legitimate figures in the pro wrestling industry, who could thrive in any promotion around the globe.
Tony Khan must bring Baron Corbin to All Elite Wrestling at all costs. With his recent NXT run, the former United States Champion has proved that he could hang with the very best inside the squared circle. The 40-year-old star is a total package, and Tony must not let him slip out of his hands.
The head booker of AEW is often criticized for not booking his heavyweights properly. The 42-year-old could effectively shut down those criticisms by bringing in The Lone Wolf, who can fit in any role in the Jacksonville-based promotion.
Baron is a versatile talent, who could mesh well with all kinds of stars. Known to be a complete team player, Corbin could be a handy commodity for AEW for years to come.