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Pro wrestling is thriving in the US and airing worldwide, with AEW and WWE leading the way as major brands that deliver top-tier in-ring action along with episodic and often well-crafted storytelling. The Stamford-based company has seen a remarkable resurgence in popularity under its new creative regime despite recent controversies.
Meanwhile, their current rival promotion, run by Tony Khan, has just secured a multi-year media rights deal with WBD. This deal includes streaming services on MAX. The promotion continues to produce excellent wrestling on a weekly basis, though not without its share of issues.
Both companies have built their recent success on the foundation of their rosters. However, one month into 2025, the pro wrestling world presents AEW and WWE with an abundance of free agents they can sign to enhance their locker rooms, use as dependable performers for television, and possibly elevate to championship levels.
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As such, let us take a look at six such talents All Elite Wrestling should snatch up first.
A female WWE star said her life is in danger. Details HERE
#1. Donovan Dijak could go All Elite
After a prominent stint in the indies, including appearances at Ring of Honor, Dijak signed with WWE in 2017. He quickly left a mark on the NXT fanbase, captivating viewers with his athleticism and strength.
Unfortunately, like his iconic rival AEW's Keith Lee, the former Dominic Dijakovic struggled to transition well to the main roster. He revamped his character during his second stint in NXT, but despite being drafted to WWE RAW last year, Dijak later revealed in June that the sports entertainment juggernaut had made no efforts to re-sign him, resulting in his exit.
The 37-year-old star has previously expressed interest in AEW and claimed to share a mutual respect with Tony Khan. Dijak has returned to the independent circuit, and while the exact details of his deal with MLW are unknown, if he is or becomes a free agent anytime soon, All Elite Wrestling should consider making The Disruptor an offer. A star of Dijak's caliber and experience has much to contribute to AEW's product if utilized in the right manner.
#2. Former Impact World Champion Josh Alexander
Josh Alexander is often brought up in conversations regarding the best in-ring competitors in the world today. He has thrived for the past several years in TNA (aka Impact Wrestling), where he put on incredible performances as the X-Division Champion. The Walking Weapon later won the promotion's World Title and held it for over 300 days during his second reign.
Alexander's former Northern Armoury stablemates recently severed ties with him in a treacherous manner, and his contract with TNA is set to expire later this month. AEW should definitely consider signing The Standard, given how accomplished he is inside the squared circle, not to mention his compelling presence as an on-screen character—similar to his renowned rival, former International Champion Will Ospreay.
#3. Former WWE NXT Women's Champion Indi Hartwell
Indi Hartwell signed with WWE in 2019 after a stint in the independent scene, wrestling primarily on the company's developmental brand, NXT. In addition to honing her skills in the ring, the Australian also developed her character in relation to her allies Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, Austin Theory, and her former on-screen husband and current Wyatt Sicks member, Dexter Lumis.
Unlike her former stablemates from The Way, Hartwell was released by WWE in November of last year. After being spotted training with AEW TBS Champion Mercedes Mone, speculation arose about the 28-year-old possibly signing a deal with the promotion. All Elite Wrestling could add another emerging, motivated star to its growing women's division by signing Hartwell.
#4. Former NXT Women's Champion Mandy Rose
After placing second in the finale of the sixth season of Tough Enough, Mandy Rose officially penned a deal with WWE, making her debut in NXT in January 2016. The New York native moved to the main roster the following year and competed against stars like Alexa Bliss, Nikki Cross, Carmella, and Asuka over the years.
Rose returned to NXT in 2021 and became involved with a new stable called Toxic Attraction. She won the NXT Women's Championship at Halloween Havoc 2021 and held it for over 400 days, ultimately losing it to Roxanne Perez on December 13, 2022. The very next day, however, Rose was released by WWE due to the company's concerns regarding her FanTime content.
AEW has proven itself capable of producing entertaining television with skilled female wrestlers, including top stars like Toni Storm, Willow Nightingale, and Athena. Mandy Rose arguably possesses the skills to carve out her own niche in the promotion's consistently versatile programming.
#5. Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Matt Cardona
Four years after his initial appearances in All Elite Wrestling (following his WWE exit in 2020), Matt Cardona returned to AEW in March 2024 to challenge his former mentor, Adam Copeland, for the TNT Championship. The Indy God was also featured on ROH programming late last year in a World Title feud with Chris Jericho, which sparked rumors that the Jacksonville-based promotion had extended a deal to Cardona.
Later, however, The King of The Indies clarified that AEW never offered him a contract, albeit seemingly expressing interest in working with the company. Cardona has lived up to his moniker through his work on the independent circuit, and WWE could capitalize on his current stock by bringing him back into the fold. Tony Khan might consider signing Cardona first, allowing the innovative star to showcase his ideas and performance on All Elite or Ring of Honor television.
#6. Elijah to RUN in AEW?
After nearly a decade with WWE, Elias was released in September 2023. This shocking news surprised many viewers, given how the star had captivated them with his charismatic portrayal of the crooning, guitar-strumming Drifter, and later as his kayfabe twin brother Ezekiel—leading to many hilarious and memorable interactions with former Universal Champion Kevin Owens.
Elias, now going by the ring name Elijah, is back in the fray on the indie scene. Recently, he shared a video in which he appeared alongside The Righteous, which has led to speculations of a potential AEW debut. He also competed on the latest edition of the Jericho Cruise on February 1, 2025.
All Elite Wrestling will undoubtedly gain a very talented on-screen performer if it decides to acquire Elijah and debut him alongside Vincent and Dutch.
