5 former WWE stars who could debut at AEW All In 2024
The 2018 independently organized pay-per-view All In played a crucial role in the foundation of AEW. Five years later, the Tony Khan-led promotion brought back the event in 2023, on the grand stage of Wembley Stadium in London, England. The spectacular pay-per-view was an immense success in terms of revenue and ticket sales and featured several of the promotion's top stars.
AEW will be heading back to London on August 25, 2024, for this year's edition of All In. Anticipation regarding the event has soared, considering the addition of major names such as those of Will Ospreay, Kazuchika Okada and Mercedes Mone to the All Elite roster this year.
Considering the wealth of free agents available in the market - several of whom, like Mone, are former WWE Superstars - fans and industry experts are constantly speculating on the arrival of a number of stars from the Triple H-led promotion to AEW.
As such, let us look at five former WWE stars who could make their debuts at All In 2024.
#1: Ricochet debuts at All In and reunites (or clashes) with Will Ospreay
Ricochet recently finished up on a six-year stint in WWE after his contract with the promotion expired some time earlier. According to most recent reports, The Human Highlight Reel is expected to be headed to All Elite Wrestling. Notably, there is no shortage of potential rivalries that the 35-year-old star could find himself embroiled in, as he shares history with several top stars in the Jacksonville-based company, including AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland and International Champion Will Ospreay.
Fans are especially hyped for a prospective showdown between Ricochet and The Aerial Assassin. Although Ospreay currently seems to be heading towards a feud with MJF, this does not preclude the possibility of Ricochet making his debut at All In 2024, either to come to the aid of or to take out The Commonwealth Kingpin, potentially after the latter's match against Friedman.
On the other hand, if MJF does not turn out to be Ospreay's opponent at the pay-per-view, the latter could very well run it back with Ricochet if he makes his first appearance at All In.
#2: Donovan Dijak could make his AEW debut at All In
Last month, Donovan Dijak revealed that WWE had chosen to not renew his contract. Since then, speculations have run wild regarding the former Retribution member's future, with many speculating on a potential All Elite Wrestling run for the 37-year-old star. Pertinently, Dijak was present backstage at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2024 last month, and even claimed during a recent interview that Tony Khan was aware of his "interest" in potentially joining his promotion.
A wrestler with Dijak's skills and experience would arguably be right at home in AEW. A pay-per-view like All In 2024 would be an ideal platform for the former Dominik Dijakovic to make his debut in All Elite Wrestling.
#3: Mustafa Ali arrives at All Elite Wrestling during All In
Mustafa Ali is widely regarded as one of the most under-rated pro wrestlers in the world. Despite his unmatched in-ring abilities and character work, the Chicago-native was released by WWE in 2023. Since then, Ali has been wrestling prolifically in the indie circuit while making appearances at NJPW and TNA, where he currently holds the X-Division Championship.
Ali, it was reported recently, was present backstage during Dynamite: Beach Break earlier this week. The show emanated from the Wintrust Arena in Ali's hometown of Chicago. Although the report does not shed light on whether the reigning Dreamwave Alternative Champion plans to go All Elite, there is a chance that Ali may make his AEW debut at All In 2024.
The odds may appear more promising when one remembers that Ali is reportedly still a free agent, and could potentially make his first blockbuster appearance for All Elite Wrestling in London.
#4: Jinder Mahal arrives at All Elite Wrestling in Wembley Stadium
Jinder Mahal was released by WWE in April, 2024, bringing an end to his second run in the company. The Modern Day Maharaja is gearing up to return to the independent scene, being scheduled to make his debut for Black Label Pro on July 26, where he will face Kevin Ku for the BLP Championship.
Interestingly, the former WWE Champion is also set to team with AEW star Satnam Singh to challenge for the AAA Tag Team Titles at TripleMania XXXII in Mexico City, Mexico on August 17. Mahal, who will compete under the ring name Raj Dhesi, and Singh will seemingly be accompanied by Jeff Jarrett, who has been an ally to The Indian Giant on AEW television.
Fans surely remember Tony Khan's controversial statements regarding Mahal from earlier this year. However, the fact remains that The Maharaja would be a significant addition to the AEW locker-room, given the star-power he earned through his time in WWE. Naturally, Mahal making an unforgettable debut at All In 2024 would make for an incredible moment for fans in attendance.
The likelihood of this happening may be low, but given that Mahal could be teaming with Satnam Singh days before they pay-per-view, the possibility cannot be dismissed entirely.
#5: Shane McMahon goes All Elite at All In
Speculations regarding Shane McMahon joining AEW have been at an all-time high in recent weeks. The 54-year-old former WWE executive and star, it was reported, recently encountered TBS Champion Mercedes Mone at Laguardia Airport in New York, where the duo supposedly discussed All Elite Wrestling. The rumors were later confirmed by The CEO herself, which fanned conjecture even further.
All Elite Wrestling President Tony Khan himself recently stated that he was open to welcoming Shane McMahon to his company. Given Shane-O-Mac's undeniable status and legacy in the wrestling world, All In 2024 could be the perfect stage for McMahon to make his debut in AEW.
It remains to be seen what All Elite Wrestling has in store for us at All In next month.