5 Wrestlers who could wind up in All Elite Wrestling, and 5 who most likely will not.
Arenas are being scouted, television deals are being discussed, but the biggest questions about AEW still pertain as to the talent they will sign. Here are five wrestlers who might end up on the AEW roster, and five who most likely will be performing elsewhere.
In the world of pro wrestling--or sports entertainment, if you prefer--the excitement generated by the formation of a new promotion is always tempered with one thought;
Will (fill in the blank) be able to sign top tier talent?
The question was moot when WCW formed from the ashes of Jim Crockett productions, since it was a lock that many NWA stars would be joining the new version of the company. It was somewhat less moot when Ring of Honor formed over seventeen years ago, because it was obvious that ROH was in pursuit of a different kind of wrestler than one would expect to find in a WWE ring.
But the question of talent signings is crucial to the success of the upstart pro wrestling promotion, All Elite Wrestling. AEW has a huge task on its hands as it seeks to enter the crowded North American pro wrestling market and take on juggernaut World Wrestling Entertainment, who has enjoyed over twenty years of being relatively competition free.
The first shot fired was when AEW acquired the services of longtime WWE employee Chris Jericho. Then, things became even more interesting when the Best Bout Machine, Kenny Omega, announced his signing with All Elite Wrestling.
So, who will be next to join the upstart organization? Here are five likely candidates, as well as five you should not expect to see in an AEW ring soon--if ever.
Might sign with AEW #1: Hideo Itami/Kenta Kobayashi
Hideo Itami was once considered a major coup for WWE. Hiring the former All Japan Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Noah junior heavyweight was seen by some as an attempt by WWE to focus more on in-ring content rather than absurdist storylines.
The former KENTA was rebranded Hideo Itami and joined the NXT brand. Unfortunately, injuries, many false starts, and a belated transfer to 205 Live ruined any chance Itami had of major stardom with WWE.
His recent release from WWE means he will be back on the market, and there is a good chance he will wind up in the All Elite Wrestling promotion. Perhaps Kenta will be luckier this time around with regards to injuries.