#1 Kurt Angle
One of the most surprising releases by WWE was that of Kurt Angle, who was working as a backstage producer after his in-ring career came to an end last year. Angle had transitioned smoothly to a backstage role, where he helped Superstars structure their matches and gave them feedback on their in-ring performances.
Angle returned to the company in 2017 and was inducted to the Hall of Fame, before beginning his role as RAW GM. He got back in the ring as well and had his last match against Baron Corbin at WrestleMania 35.
Angle's wrestling days are over and it will be a big surprise if he straps up his wrestling boots once more. This is one reason why AEW may not want to sign him. AEW also do not have on-screen authority figures, which is a role that Angle excelled in WWE. He could be a coach of sorts or a backstage producer, but it remains to be seen if AEW have the money to sign a big name like Angle, considering the legends that they have backstage currently.