5 AEW debuts that could happen before 2024 ends

AEW has been WWE's biggest competitor since WCW. The promotion has a huge and talented roster. While many of its members are from independent circuits, the majority are from the global sports entertainment juggernaut.

AEW had the upper hand in the free agency market during the first half of 2024 as they signed stars like Will Ospreay, Kazuchika Okada, Mercedes Mone, Deonna Purrazzo, and many more. Meanwhile, WWE has bagged many stars in the second half. The Staform-based promotion signed Stephanie Vaquer, Motor City Machine Gunns, Giulia, and many other stars.

MVP and Shelton Benjamin are the most recent signings AEW has made in the past months. Tony Khan would be thinking of ending the year with a bang. If he wants to, he should sign many wrestlers who would help the roster. With Full Gear and Worlds End pay-per-view still to come later this year, there are plenty of chances for them to debut new stars.

Let's take a look at some of the free agents the Tony Khan-led promotion could sign before 2025 arrives.

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#5. Trevor Lee (fka Cameron Grimes)

Trevor Lee, who worked under the ring name Cameron Grimes, made his WWE debut in 2019. After getting big exposure in NXT, he failed to get over on the main roster. Unfortunately, he was released from the promotion in April 2024. Following his exit, he posted a heartwrenching clip of him talking about his release and his future as he cried his heart out.

The former NXT North American Champion could be a huge addition to AEW's midcard. A new star being advertised on Collision could also boost the show's ratings. He is currently wrestling on the independent circuit.

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#4. Raj Dhesi (fka Jinder Mahal)

The former WWE Champion was the promotion's main eventer during one instance. His title win back in 2017 came as a shock to many fans as the push came out of nowhere. After a decent reign, Jinder Mahal dropped the championship and was rarely featured on TV for the rest of his stint.

Raj Dhesi was released from the company on April 19, 2024. He has also started performing at independent shows and currently holds the AAA World Tag Team Championship alongside AEW star Satnam Singh. He could join Jeff Jarrett, Jay Lethal, Sonjay Dutt, and Satnam Singh's group and make his grand debut in AEW.

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#3. Dijak

Dijak had a lot of potential to be a top star in the Stamford-based promotion. He was a huge attraction during his first NXT run before going to the main roster in 2020. Unfortunately, after an underwhelming run on top brands, he returned to the third brand again in 2022. His second NXT run turned out to be amazing.

However, after being drafted to RAW again in 2024, he exited WWE after his contract expired in June 2024. The 37-year-old star could become one of the top stars in the promotion as he has a great move set and skills.

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#2. Shane McMahon could arrive in AEW

Shane McMahon has been rumored to sign with AEW for a few months now. The speculations were fueled more when his picture with AEW President Tony Khan went viral. He was also spotted with The Young Bucks and Mercedes Mone in the last few weeks. However, no concrete reports about him being All Elite have emerged.

Many believed Shane O'Mac would debut during the new Jon Moxley-saga, but the story is moving in a different direction. He could be a huge addition to backstage and a massive on-screen character.

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#1. Bobby Lashley

The All Mighty left WWE after his contract expired in August 2024. His Hurt Business stablemates MVP and Shelton Benjamin have already made their debut in the promotion. Montel has been approaching Swerve Strickland to come under his management. Since then, many believe Bobby Lashley's arrival is imminent.

Last week, it was reported that Bobby Lashley has signed with AEW. Speculation says that the former WWE Champion will debut at Fright Night Dynamite when Swerve Strickland and Shelton Benjamin square off.

Only time will tell which of these wrestlers will debut in the company before 2024 ends.