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AEW has recruited a number of former WWE Superstars to its roster. The recruitment has included major players such as Bryan Danielson and Jon Moxley, to underutilized talents like Ruby Soho and Malakai Black.
With only a few hours of television to put on every week, there was an argument that Tony Khan might be making the mistake of signing too much talent. Companies such as WCW and TNA/IMPACT Wrestling also tried signing every available WWE Superstar in the past, leading to bloated rosters.
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Despite that, there are admittedly a number of former WWE talents who would make a fine addition to Tony Khan's company. The owner himself has previously hinted at a dream signing who will be making his way to the promotion in 2022. While we have previously speculated on the number of free agents who should make the jump, here's a list of ex-WWE superstars who have gone on record to express interest in joining Tony Khan's promotion.
#5. Karrion Kross & Scarlett Bordeaux teased joining AEW
Killer Kross (fka Karrion Kross) says he has unfinished business to handle with Jon Moxley. The two wrestlers had their one and only match back in July 2019 at an independent event, shortly before Kross signed for WWE. Mox had just left the company and signed with Tony Khan promotion. Responding to fans on a Twitter poll teasing a potential rematch, Kross wrote:
"Bet your a** it's happening. We have a score to settle."
The former NXT Champion will become a free agent when his 90-day WWE non-compete clause expires on February 2nd. This lines up perfectly as Moxley has just returned to AEW television this past week after a stint in an inpatient alcohol program. With the next PPV Revolution on the horizon, it would be an amazing surprise to bring the ominous duo to the company.
#4. Keith Lee looks forward to his future wrestling... in AEW?
AEW has a number of interesting free agents to choose from, chief among them is former NXT Champion Keith Lee. The breakout star was released from his WWE contract late last year and would eventually go on Twitter to issue his first statement after his WWE release, in which he reflected on his recent obstacles and also looked forward to the future.
“I was going to wait a couple weeks, but I think it’s time to look towards the future, forward march as I like to say,'' stated Lee. ''I am capable of so much more and I can’t wait to see what it looks like properly. I have a wide array of interests and abilities… I also consider myself to be rather open-minded. Here’s to a, for all intents and purposes… seems Limitless.”
Lee is so talented that he would fit right in with the roster that Tony Khan has built. With his size and in-ring athleticism, he would stand out as a unique addition. He already has a number of personal relationships with many of the members of the roster from his time in NXT.
Due to the severity of Lee’s recent health struggles, a lighter schedule in Tony Khan's company might serve him well. While Lee's signing with All Elite Wrestling is not guaranteed, he deserves a big stage to truly show off his limitless talent.
#3. Former WWE Superstar Lana could join her husband Miro in AEW
Former WWE Superstar Lana has hinted at joining her husband Miro in AEW. Lana (real name CJ Perry) was released by WWE in June. This was just over a year after Miro was also released by the company. While doing a virtual signing for East Coast Autograph Auctions, Perry was asked about joining AEW.
"Well, I'm gonna tell you, stay tuned," she replied. "I can't give everything away. I can't give all the hot tea right now."
Perry was even pictured with current interim TNT Champion Sammy Guevara at a wrestling convention just days after he beat her husband to win the title. She has yet to return to wrestling since her WWE release but with her 90-day non-compete clause up, don't be surprised if she appears in Tony Khan's promotion as a valet or even a wrestler.
#2. Taya Valkyrie & John Morrison hinted at a dream match with AEW power couple
AEW could benefit from a boost to its women's division. Taya Valkyire's WWE run was highly disappointing despite being brought into the NXT brand with a lot of hype. Valkyrie (under the name of Franky Monet) was promised a run as NXT Women’s Champion, but barely got a chance to contend for it before being abruptly released from WWE.
This came around the same time her husband John Morrison was released, and both are getting started again on the indies – but have bigger aspirations:
"Britt Baker and Adam Cole,'' said Valkyrie. ''We’ve never — I’ve wrestled Britt one time in like a multi-man. I don’t think John and Adam Cole have ever wrestled. John’s never wrestled Britt, and I’ve never wrestled Adam Cole. So there you go. Why not?"
While speaking with Muscle Man Malcolm, Valkyrie made it clear that she wanted to wrestle everyone and spend more time with her husband along the way. The obvious route for this would be mixed tag team matches which could possibly take place under Tony Khan's promotion.
Recently, Adam Cole & Britt Baker took their relationship onto TV – and are now the power couple of Wednesday nights. They would make the perfect target for the likes of Morrison & Valkyrie.
#1. Johnny Gargano wants to face former AEW Champion Kenny Omega
In one of his most recent Twitch streams, Johnny Gargano shared his thoughts on a number of AEW stars, including former World Champion Kenny Omega.
The former NXT sensation revealed that having a match with Kenny Omega is one of his dreams and that the former World Champion would make a great opponent.
Johnny Gargano has not competed in the ring since he was part of WarGames at the start of December. He was on Team Black and Gold that night alongside Tommaso Ciampa, LA Knight, and Pete Dunne. They came up short and during the next episode of NXT 2.0, he addressed his future amid contract speculation.
Towards the end of 2021, Wrestling Observer Radio reported that Johnny Gargano is considering joining Tony Khan's company. It would be the perfect landing spot for the accomplished veteran who would fit right in with the talented roster.
