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AEW has become an attractive destination for former WWE Superstars.
This year alone, they have signed a number of ex-WWE talent in Bryan Danielson, Adam Cole, Malakai Black and Andrade El Idolo. As they have gone on to make an indelible impact on the company and truly showcase their true potential, there are a number of WWE stars who are experiencing the exact opposite.
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Whether it's getting misused on the main roster or stuck in mind-numbing storylines, there are a bunch of signed WWE talent that could benefit from a change of scenery.
Here are 5 current WWE stars that could and should sign with AEW in 2022.
#5. AEW prediction - Sami Zayn
When reports emerged that Kevin Owens’ WWE contract was coming to an end, it was reported that his best friend Sami Zayn’s was nearly up too. While KO eventually re-signed, Zayn's current contract situation is still unclear.
The former NXT champion is doing some of the best heel work in his career right now, but he is still grossly underutilized. His recent interaction with Brock Lesnar on SmackDown has been great television, but what Zayn got in return was a slide back down to the mid-card scene. Now, he's entered the Intercontinental title mix once more.
Zayn has all the potential to be both a top heel and babyface wherever he goes, and AEW could be the place for him to feel like a top star once again outside of WWE. He has had a previously successful run in the indies and has crossed paths with a number of AEW stars. We all know he can go in the ring. Coupled with his captivating promo skills, Zayn would be a great addition to the AEW roster.
#4. AEW prediction - Ricochet
AEW couldn't do a worse job pushing Ricochet than WWE has done - even if they tried. His booking on the main roster has been atrocious. It's certainly disappointing for longtime fans who are aware of his work in NXT, NJPW and Lucha Underground previously.
Ricochet is the best high-flyer of his generation, and while his mic abilities are lacking, he more than makes up for it when he enters the ring. Because of how talented he is and how unique his moves are, Ricochet really should have been a bigger deal on Raw.
AEW should absolutely try to sign Richochet if they have the opportunity. He already has history with the likes of Adam Cole, Malakai Black and Andrade El Idolo. The high-flyer can put on banger matches with a number of dream opponents in AEW. Imagine a bout with Kenny Omega or Rey Fenix.
That is exactly why AEW should be interested in signing him and considering how much time Tony Khan gives the wrestlers in the ring, there's no doubt he will thrive. Instead of stagnating in WWE, Ricochet should make the jump to AEW, where his talents will be appreciated.
#3. AEW prediction - Mustafa Ali
AEW might have a number of exceptional cruiserweight talents, but no one is as compelling or intriguing as Mustafa Ali. The former WWE 205 Live wrestler is amazing in the ring, judging by his performances in the Cruiserweight Classic. But he is also wholly underrated on the mic.
Ali's ill-fated run as the villainous leader of Retribution on the WWE main roster might have fatally derailed his career, but he was a great orator who made the best of the situation. He can act as an underdog babyface or a dastardly heel and still be able to get a good reaction from the audience. AEW would be wise to pick him up.
His recent series of matches with Mansoor has proven that he is an unselfish wrestler who is willing to put over other talents.
Reports emerged earlier this month that WWE had sent Ali home because creative had nothing for him. That's a shame. AEW can definitely benefit from Ali's positive attitude and slot him into any role that is required.
#2. AEW prediction - Finn Balor
AEW has signed a number of former NXT champions in recent times. Finn Balor would make a monumental addition to that list.
The two-time NXT champion seems to be cursed on the WWE main roster. He first debuted on Raw in 2016 to a ton of momentum. He even became the first-ever Universal champion. However, he got seriously injured in the match and had to relinquish his title soon after.
Ever since then, Finn has tried to reach those lofty heights once more, but to no avail. He did not accomplish much in the midcard scene for years before going back down to NXT to refresh his career. He did just that, putting on excellent matches with Kyle O'Reilly, Karrion Kross and Pete Dunne, with a new edge to his game as The Prince.
Unfortunately, all that goodwill came to a screeching halt when he lost to Roman Reigns at WWE Extreme Rules. Using his previously unbeatable Demon gimmick didn't help at all, and his aura has been damaged ever since.
There is seemingly nothing left for Balor to accomplish in WWE if the company doesn't plan on booking him well going forward. Signing with AEW would be an intriguing option for Finn as he can reinvigorate his career once more.
If he is able to tweak his Demon character, imagine the prospect of Balor facing off against Malakai Black. As a veteran, he can also help put over the next generation of AEW talent, while executing awesome matches with the roster.
#1. AEW prediction - Cesaro
AEW is not short of world class talent. But Cesaro is without a doubt one of the best wrestlers on the planet. WWE fans are desperate to see the Swiss Superman in the main event scene, getting the push he deserves. In WWE, that just hasn't happened for him and it remains very unlikely that it ever will.
There was a glimmer of hope in this past year's WrestleMania, when Cesaro put on a star-making performance against Seth Rollins. That led the former US Champion to a world title opportunity against Roman Reigns. But he also fell short and has slipped back down the card ever since. Cesaro ends 2021 in a midcard feud with longtime rival Sheamus once back and we're back to square one.
In AEW, it's easy to imagine Cesaro as a major star. He could have a 5-star classic with Kenny Omega or test his mettle against former colleague Bryan Danielson once more.
Now entering his early 40's, the window is getting shorter for Cesaro to win that elusive world championship. Perhaps AEW would be the company to award that accolade to him.
Cesaro does appear to be fairly content in his current WWE role, but it is without a shadow of a doubt that he deserves a world title reign at some point in his career.
Which WWE Superstar would you like to see make the jump to All Elite Wrestling? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
