In early June 2021, Lana was released from WWE. While it wasn't the most shocking release in recent times, it was a bit surprising as the company seemed to value her a lot.
She gained a good deal of popularity in WWE and grew a lot in her seven-year stint on the main roster. The big question is what's next for her? IMPACT Wrestling could be a good place, but some fans are clamoring for her to join All Elite Wrestling.
This list makes a case for why Lana should join AEW and why she shouldn't:
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#3. Should join AEW: Lana has more opportunity to develop as a wrestler
Lana has been open in admitting that she was never the best in-ring competitor in the WWE Women's division. It was only in 2017 when she began her in-ring career with the company, and even then, she didn't wrestle as frequently as most of the other women on the roster.
AEW was initially criticized for having a thin women's division, but it has grown in depth and talent organically with some signings. It's only set to improve further with Ruby Soho (fka Ruby Riott) expected to be the next major signing to the women's division.
Admittedly, the two superstars would be in completely different places. Soho has already established herself as a bit of a veteran and has a lot more experience to slot right in.
The same won't be the case for Lana, but that might be more beneficial for her. As long as she gets regular TV time and wrestles more, she's going to get better at it. With WWE, she had opportunities to wrestle, but they never capitalized on her when she gained the most momentum.
With Lana, what it's going to take is improvement in the ring and a good storyline to develop her character. It's almost guaranteed that she will have that opportunity to grow as a wrestler overall in All Elite Wrestling. In WWE, the women's division is usually too stacked, and they have made a bad habit out of only featuring women in title feuds.
If there is organic growth for her to have in AEW, then it makes sense for her to make the jump.
#2. Shouldn't join AEW: Lana may take time to transition into an in-ring competitor again
With Lana, it might take time in AEW to eventually transition into an in-ring competitor again. She may have to take a managerial role, and some would question whether another manager is needed in the company.
The question is whether All Elite Wrestling needs her as an in-ring competitor now or whether they are willing to play the long game with her. However, if they are playing the long game, it may not be too bad if her story is told right.
#2. Should join AEW: Lana has shown her passion and willingness to improve
No matter how much anyone criticizes Lana, one thing is for sure - she loves wrestling. She has grown into live wrestling over her time in WWE and has always been honest about her overall growth and willingness to keep improving.
Sure, she may not be the best in-ring competitor in the AEW Women's division, but she will be given the opportunity to improve. Not only this, but by all means, the promotion's locker room seems to be motivated and overall positive, which reflects on the TV product that has remained consistent for the last two years.
Lana is passionate about wrestling and should be given a chance to improve rather than being criticized. She might just be able to surprise many critics and fans.
#1. Shouldn't join AEW: Would Lana be just another WWE Superstar signed?
While there are several options for superstars outside of WWE, there seems to be one major preference - AEW. Over the last year, we've seen Tony Khan sign some of the big names released by Vince McMahon's promotion to All Elite Wrestling, and in many cases, they've done quite well.
This is a trend that will continue over the years, but will there come a point where enough is enough? One could argue that if Lana joined AEW, she would be just another released WWE Superstar jumping ship.
It may not be a wise strategy for the company in the long run.
#1. Should join AEW: Miro
The biggest reason why Lana should join AEW is that her husband Miro (fka Rusev) is part of the roster. Not only this, but he is the reigning TNT Champion as well.
Miro has had a good run in All Elite Wrestling and although he isn't expected to be a main event star, he has seized the opportunity handed to him. Although some might feel that AEW doesn't need more managers, Lana could still be key to Miro's success in the company.
She could also branch off into her own singles career on the side, giving her more television time in the process.