5 former WWE stars who might never join AEW
AEW has been at odds with WWE for over five years now. The Jacksonville-based promotion has actively challenged the Sports Entertainment juggernaut's monopoly over the wrestling business, emerging as the biggest threat to the Stamford-based company in over two decades.
As the head booker of AEW, Tony Khan constantly keeps his eye on the free agent market. In the last five years, the company's President has signed several mainstream ex-WWE stars, which allowed All Elite Wrestling to accumulate a strong talent roster.
However, Khan usually looks to strike a deal with those specific talents who could actively contribute to the wrestling-centric environment of the company.
From CM Punk to Sting, AEW has gotten its hands on several high-profile stars since 2019. However, not every former WWE talent gets to work with the Tony Khan-led company. In this article, we'll look at five ex-WWE stars who may never join All Elite Wrestling:
#5. Becky Lynch might end up rejoining WWE
Becky Lynch is currently among the hottest free agents in the pro wrestling industry. The Man's contract with the Stamford-based promotion expired in June 2024, and she has yet to reveal her career's next move.
Many fans believe the former RAW Women's Champion may end up in All Elite Wrestling soon. Having achieved almost everything in WWE, Big Time Becks might look to test herself against several world-class female stars in AEW.
However, it seems unlikely that the 37-year-old star would part ways with the Sports Entertainment juggernaut. The Man could ultimately sign a new deal with the Triple H-led company once her in-ring hiatus ends. Big Time Becks is a well-recognized figure in the global juggernaut and does not need to take any chances with her career.
With Seth Rollins also being an integral member of the WWE roster, Becky Lynch is unlikely to leave WWE to join a new promotion. While her addition could have definitely strengthened AEW's Women's Division, The Man might reject that opportunity in favor of staying with the Stamford-based promotion.
#4. Goldberg does not seem too impressed with AEW's creative process
Despite being past his prime days, Goldberg's undeniable mainstream appeal makes him an asset to any wrestling promotion. The Myth was last seen in the squared circle at Elimination Chamber 2022, where he unsuccessfully challenged Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship.
Since then, the WCW legend has stayed away from in-ring competition. The 57-year-old star is willing to compete in a retirement match, but he has yet to find a suitable opponent.
There were rumors of Goldberg potentially debuting in AEW. However, he dismissed the claims a few months ago. Although Goldberg admitted having conversations with AEW CEO Tony Khan, the veteran was not too impressed with the company's creative process.
The former WWE Universal Champion deemed himself unfit for the Jacksonville-based promotion, as he found AEW's product "too cheesy." Considering his dislike for the content put out by AEW, it is unlikely that Goldberg would ever appear in the Tony Khan-led company.
#3. Matt Riddle may never join All Elite Wrestling
Matt Riddle was handed his release from WWE in September 2023. Since then, The Original Bro has been grinding on the independent circuit besides appearing in well-recognized promotions like MLW and NJPW.
A versatile in-ring performer, Riddle could have been a valuable addition to AEW. However, Tony Khan does not seem to have any interest in signing the Super King of Bros., as he does not see Riddle as someone who could contribute to the current AEW product. As per recent reports, Khan seemingly has no interest in acquiring the services of a controversial figure like Riddle.
Interestingly, the former RK-BRO member ran into Tony Khan backstage after his match against Zack Sabre Jr. in Chicago. The former WWE United States Champion asked Khan about his opinion on his match against ZSJ, which led to an awkward exchange between the two individuals.
If Tony Khan had any plans to bring in The Original Bro to the Jacksonville-based promotion, he might have reached out to Matt Riddle several months ago. With AEW unlikely to reward Riddle with a contract, The Super King of Bros. should look to better himself as a performer in other promotions.
#2. Mandy Rose is interested in a return to WWE
Mandy Rose was released from WWE in December 2022. The company's decision to part ways with God's Greatest Creation left the WWE Universe stunned. At the time, Rose was at the peak of her game in NXT, as she had been dominating the women's division for several months.
The former NXT Women's Champion has been absent from the squared circle since then. While many fans are eager to see Mandy Rose back in WWE, a section of the audience wants the former Toxic Attraction leader to ply her trade in All Elite Wrestling.
In a recent interview, Mandy Rose opened up about the possibility of her returning to in-ring competition. The 34-year-old star claimed that she had some unfinished business left in WWE, which is why the prospect of a return to the Stamford-based promotion greatly excites her.
Considering her desire to return to the Triple H-led promotion, the door to Mandy Rose's potential AEW debut might have been shut down.
#1. Nic Nemeth may not be the right fit for All Elite Wrestling
Nic Nemeth (FKA Dolph Ziggler) was released by WWE in September 2023. Since his shocking exit from the promotion, The Showoff has taken the independent circuit by storm.
Nemeth has been massively successful outside WWE, having already won championships in TNA and NJPW. The Perfection is a contracted member of the TNA roster, where he currently holds the TNA World Championship.
It was an intriguing decision on Nemeth's part to choose TNA over a top promotion like AEW. While All Elite Wrestling is admittedly a viable opponent against WWE, The Showoff may not have fit on the company's bloated roster. The 44-year-old star may have gotten lost in the shuffle in All Elite Wrestling, which could have proved detrimental to his career.
It seems like the erstwhile Dolph Ziggler is likely to stay in the Nashville-based company for the time being. Even if Nic Nemeth decides to move on from his current promotion, he might return to WWE instead of debuting in AEW.