6 stars who may never return to AEW
Stars often jump ship from one promotion to another. Many stars have gone to WWE after spending some time in AEW and vice versa. While there is a chance that the fans might see former AEW stars return to Tony Khan's promotion later in the future, there are quite a few who may never become a part of the Jacksonville-based promotion again.
Let's look at six such stars who may never return to All Elite Wrestling and also explore the potential reasons
#1. CM Punk
CM Punk only spent a few years in AEW, and his run was marked with multiple controversial events. At All Out 2022, he had a backstage brawl with Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, and at All In 2023, he was involved in another backstage fight, but this time it was with Jack Perry. Following the incident, he was fired from the company.
The Best in the World also left the promotion on bad terms. In addition, he didn't have many friends in the AEW locker room. His return to WWE at the 2023 Survivor Series was groundbreaking and he has been getting a lot of attention in the company led by Triple H. Therefore, it is unlikely that he will ever return to AEW for another run.
#2. Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes, along with Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks, helped Tony Khan lay the foundation of All Elite Wrestling. He worked in the company for a few years as the EVP. But in 2022, he parted ways with them after failing to negotiate a new contract.
Just like Punk, The American Nightmare is also enjoying his popularity in the Stamford-based promotion. He is the current Undisputed WWE Champion in his first reign and is immensely popular among the fans. Hence, he is also unlikely to return to AEW.
#3. Jade Cargill
Jade Cargill was the first signing under TKO Group Holdings, which shows how much WWE values her as a wrestling talent. Within months after her arrival in the company, she had been pushed into the limelight and she is now one-half of the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions alongside Bianca Belair.
Cargill was popular in AEW but she is thriving in WWE. Given how much WWE values her, the company may try its best to keep her for a long time, which is why the fans might never see her in AEW again.
#4. Andrade
Andrade's first run in WWE was underwhelming, but AEW didn't do much with him either. He spent two years in the Jacksonville-based promotion and wasn't booked to reach his full potential.
He returned to WWE in January earlier this year. His second run in the Stamford-based promotion has been somewhat decent. El Idolo is getting a push in the company and his current run seems promising, especially after his five-match series with Carmelo Hayes. He is the reigning WWE Speed Champion in his first reign.
#5 & #6. The Hardy Boyz
The Hardy Boys are legends in the pro wrestling business, but somehow, Tony Khan failed to utilize them in his programming. Despite being so popular in the wrestling world, the AEW head didn't book them in a compelling storyline. As a result, their momentum gradually decreased over time.
Disappointed with their situation in Tony Khan's company, Matt and Jeff left and later joined TNA. Considering how Khan failed to recognize their true potential, they might not go back for another lackluster run.