5 free agents AEW owner Tony Khan could be teasing

AEW owner Tony Khan has been active on social media recently, teasing a potential new signing.

With the expiry of the recently released WWE superstar's non-compete clause, there is intense speculation about who might next walk through the forbidden door to join the company.

With WWE releasing a ton of talent in the last few years due to budget cuts, Tony Khan has managed to snap up several highly-talented individuals such as Bryan Danielson, Adam Cole, and Kyle O'Reilly.

Speaking to Busted Open Radio, Khan said that he is not done recruiting yet and that he is actively looking through the free-agent market right now.

“I plan to make some more big signings, and not in the long term future, I mean in the short term future. I will still be very active in the free agent market,” Khan teased. “The forbidden door shall be opening again very soon. I am really looking forward to Rampage tonight, and I guarantee you we will make some news out of this night’s show. Then we will have some big news next week too. It’s a really exciting time to be a pro wrestling fan.” (h/t: WrestlingInc)

He went on to tease that the wrestler will compete in a qualifying match for a spot in the Face of the Revolution ladder match for a shot at the TNT title. The unknown talent will sign his contract on Dynamite as well.

Here are five current free agents that Tony Khan could be teasing.

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#5. In our list of free agents, AEW owner Tony Khan could be teasing: Jeff Hardy

Jeff Hardy was released from WWE in December 2021 after an incident at a house show got the charismatic enigma sent home. When the company asked him to attend rehab, Jeff declined the offer, which caused WWE to release the former champion.

With Matt constantly giving fans positive updates on Jeff's well-being, the possibility of seeing Hardy Boyz reunited at AEW is edging ever closer.

A rematch between the Hardy Boys and the Young Bucks would be more than welcome. Jeff can also work with younger talents such as Darby Allin, who is greatly inspired by the former WWE Champion.

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#4. Former NXT Champion Karrion Kross with Scarlett joins AEW

AEW has already signed several former NXT talents such as Adam Cole, Malakai Black, and Andrade. Another significant addition would be Karrion Kross, who previously discussed the possibility of signing for a rival promotion.

Kross was a mainstay of the former black-and-gold brand until his main roster call-up was poorly-executed. This led to his subsequent release in late 2021.

In an interview with CBS Sports, the Las Vegas-born star said:

"For me, I feel like the fit would be just as identically good before I signed with WWE as it would be now because I am always looking to integrate and create things that are not present within the programming." Kross said

His intimidating persona would provide something different than what the current roster offers.

If his manager and real-life partner Scarlett Bordeaux joins as well, Kross can pick up where he left off in NXT and dominate the competition. We'd love to see him face off against another dark character in Malakai Black.

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#3. Former NXT star Johnny Gargano signs with AEW

According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, Johnny Gargano has been in contact with some people within AEW. The former NXT champion's contract with WWE expired in early December, just days after losing at NXT: WarGames.

He put over young rookie Grayson Waller on his way out and is currently taking time out to spend time with his wife Candice LeRae, who is expecting a child. However, many fans are clamoring for the wrestler to eventually join up with Tony Khan's promotion.

Gargano recently addressed those rumors when he put out a tweet stating:

"I heard you and you have no idea how much it means to me that you're excited to see me back at it. It's scary to step away because your insecurities say "they'll forget about you".. but you haven't forgotten and I promise that I will make it up to you asap. #JohnnyWrestling *red heart emoji*," Johnny Gargano tweeted following the AEW Dynamite: Beach Break special on Wednesday night.

It's unknown when he'll return, but now more than ever, All Elite Wrestling seems like a possible destination for Johnny Wrestling in 2022. There are so many dream matches that he can have with the likes of Kenny Omega, Bryan Danielson, CM Punk, and even Adam Cole once more.

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#2. Former RAW Superstar Keith Lee joins AEW

AEW owner Tony Khan teased the signing of a major star, and no free agent is as big as Keith Lee, both literally and figuratively.

The Limitless One has a world of potential if he becomes All Elite. The former NXT champion's run on the main roster was blighted by medical issues and stop-start pushes.

With Lee's charisma and in-ring skills, he is a different type of wrestler to the smaller-sized talents on the roster.

He can once again reignite his previous rivalries with Adam Cole and Kyle O'Reilly or face off in first-time matches with the likes of Chris Jericho, Kenny Omega, Jon Moxley, and Bryan Danielson.

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#1. Shane McMahon shocks the wrestling world by joining AEW

AEW fans are keeping close tabs on the unfolding drama in WWE with regards to Shane McMahon. Vince McMahon's son was reportedly released from the company due to his antics backstage at the 2022 WWE Royal Rumble.

This has led to intense speculation amongst wrestling fans about whether AEW owner Tony Khan might take advantage of the situation and make a play to sign Shane McMahon.

It would certainly be earth-shattering news if Tony Khan manages to sign the younger McMahon to a rival wrestling company. Despite being 52 years old, he can be an asset to any promotion, given his vast experience on-screen and behind the scenes.

His best use would probably be as an authority figure either on Dynamite or Rampage.