5 stars that may leave AEW after Jeff Hardy 

After a two-year-long stint in AEW, Jeff Hardy showed up in TNA on Friday's Against All Odds Pay-Per-View. Brought in to inject star power into AEW's men's division, some fans felt The Charismatic Enigma could not have the desired impact in Tony Khan's promotion.

Since Cody Rhodes' departure, the trend of AEW stars leaving for other promotions has become quite common. Earlier, the flow of talents only took place from WWE to AEW.

Some fans feel that the current AEW roster is in a bloated state, making it difficult to book every signed talent in a meaningful storyline. The evident lack of opportunities has become frustrating for many stars, who may consider taking their talents elsewhere once their deal with the Jacksonville-based promotion expires.

In this article, let's look at five AEW stars who could leave the company after Jeff Hardy.

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#5. Ricky Starks may not renew his AEW deal

Despite being featured prominently in the mid-card scene, Ricky Starks has remained far away from breaking the glass ceiling in All Elite Wrestling. A gifted performer on the microphone, Starks is one of the most reliable stars in Tony Khan's company.

With the upper card being crowded with other top talents, The Absolute One has struggled to break into the main event picture. The inconsistent pushes have further hurt the credibility of the former FTW Champion.

Ricky Starks has reportedly been absent from the AEW programming since March due to a lack of creative plans, which is an alarming signal regarding his future in the promotion.

The Absolute One would likely consider a move to WWE once his deal with All Elite Wrestling expires. With his close connections to names like Cody Rhodes and Natalya, Starks will likely get his fair shot at success in the Stamford-based promotion.

#4. Malakai Black could have a career resurgence under Triple H

Following a captivating run in WWE NXT, Malakai Black (fka Aleister Black) seemed destined for greatness on the main roster. Unfortunately, Vince McMahon could never figure out how to develop Black into WWE's next top superstar.

After his release from WWE in 2021, the mysterious performer arrived in All Elite Wrestling, where he took down Cody Rhodes in his first major program.

While his future looked bright in AEW initially, things soon went south for The Dutch Destroyer. As time passed by, Malakai Black kept falling down the ranks in the Jacksonville-based promotion.

Malakai Black was a force to be reckoned with in NXT [Image credits: WWE Gallery]

At the moment, Black finds himself stuck in the mid-card division. The birth of The House of Black helped elevate Buddy Matthews, Julia Hart, and Brody King, but it did not do much for Black's credibility.

With Triple H now holding the reins of the WWE creative, a move back to his former employers could greatly benefit the former NXT Champion.

#3. Wardlow can be a star around the world

Wardlow is one of AEW's best homegrown talents, who received a consistent mega push throughout his initial run.

His feud against MJF established the monstrous athlete as a solid babyface. Many fans even voiced for a world title reign for Wardlow, who seemingly had all the necessary tools to be a main eventer.

Unfortunately, a lackluster run with the TNT Championship destroyed all the momentum that Wardlow had on his side.

Currently, Mr. Mayhem is stuck in the Undisputed Kingdom, which is regarded by fans as one of the worst AEW factions of all time. With Tony Khan failing to capitalize on his potential, the former TNT Champion may look for opportunities elsewhere once his contract expires.

#2. Hook could be a valuable addition to WWE NXT

Hook has been a victim of poor booking over the last few months. Known for his stoic attitude, The Cold-Hearted Handsome Devil has lost a ton of momentum following his underwhelming feuds with Chris Jericho and Jack Perry recently.

Losing the FTW Championship appeared as a big blow to Hook's legitimacy, as he no longer possesses the aura that he once had.

Despite his immense potential, the 25-year-old still has a long way to go in the wrestling business. With Hook reportedly planning to explore free agency later this year, WWE NXT might be the perfect environment for Taz's son to prosper as a professional wrestler.

Shawn Michaels' guidance could do wonders for the young star, who is still an unfinished good in the squared circle.

#1. Lance Archer could fare very well as part of the WWE

Lance Archer possesses everything a superstar needs to succeed in a top wrestling promotion. For a superstar of his size, The Murderhawk Monster is admirably very agile in the ring. After being paired with the legendary Jack "The Snake" Roberts, the sky seemed like the limit for Archer in AEW.

However, the former IWGP United States Champion could not replicate the success he had in NJPW in All Elite Wrestling. Multiple losses against the likes of Cody Rhodes, Jon Moxley, and Hangman Page meant that Archer was no longer a serious threat in the eyes of the audience.

If The Murderhawk Monster decides to switch companies in the future, WWE should be his prime destination. The Stamford-based promotion is well-known for pushing stars with a larger-than-life physique, which could work in the favor of Lance Archer.

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