5 WWE stars who have appeared in other wrestling promotions in 2024

One of the most interesting recent developments in pro wrestling is how WWE has become more lenient with its current superstars, allowing them to perform in different wrestling promotions.

A lot has changed in how WWE has handled the business since it was bought by Endeavor in September 2023, the merger with UFC to form TKO, Vince McMahon's exit, and Triple H's rise to creative power. More premium live events are being held outside the USA, production changes, superstar signings, returns, and more. Now, several top and up-and-coming stars are representing the Stamford-based promotion on other shows too.

For this list, we will look at five current WWE stars who wrestled for other wrestling promotions in 2024.

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#5. AJ Styles returned to Japan to face Naomichi Marufuji

Arguably, one of the biggest wrestlers who used to wrestle in Japan was AJ Styles. After performing for over a decade in TNA, he began appearing in different promotions, but one that truly helped his career was when he joined NJPW in 2014. He left in 2016 and later appeared in WWE as a participant in that year's Royal Rumble.

After eight years away from Japan, AJ Styles made a memorable return on July 13, 2024, during NOAH Destination. It also marked the first time he wrestled for NOAH. During the show, he successfully defeated Naomichi Marufuji.

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#4. Iyo Sky also recently returned to Japan

Another top Japanese star WWE acquired is Iyo Sky, who wrestled in Japan starting in 2007 before officially joining WWE in 2018. She was best known for her time in Stardom, from 2011 until 2018.

After six years, the Damage CTRL member returned to wrestle in Japan on July 13, 2024. At Marigold Summer Destiny, an event promoted by Dream Star Fighting Marigold, she successfully competed against Utami Hayashishita. Interestingly, the same event also featured new WWE signing Giulia, who was defeated by Sareee.

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#3. Shayna Baszler had an exciting WWE WrestleMania 2024 weekend

Shayna Baszler is a former NXT Women's Champion [Image Credit: WWE.com]

One of the biggest wrestling events in April is arguably WrestleMania and an assortment of events are planned throughout the week leading to The Show of Shows. For Shayna Baszler, her schedule took place outside the Stamford-based promotion.

On April 4, 2024, Shayna debuted in GCW as part of Josh Barnett's Bloodsport X event. The show fits Baszler's MMA history as the annual event is known for its martial arts influence. During the show, she defeated TNA star Masha Slamovich.

WWE names like CM Punk, Nia Jax, Braun Strowman, Natalya, and Nick Khan were spotted watching the show. Baszler will appear again at Josh Barnett's: Bloodsport XI event in New York on July 28 where she will go up against Miyu Yamashita.

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#2. Charlie Dempsey has already appeared in two wrestling promotions this year

One of the up-and-coming stars in NXT today is Charlie Dempsey, and he has certainly been making a name for himself on every NXT show. Like Shayna, he appeared in Josh Barnet's Bloodsport X event in April where he defeated Matt Makowski.

He also appeared twice in TNA. On the June 28, 2024, episode he defeated Zachary Wentz, and on the following day's taping, Dempsey's group No Quarter Catch Crew, defeated Kushida and The Rascalz. The 27-year-old continues to appear sporadically on TNA to attack several stars.

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#1. Tatum Paxley answered an open challenge for a championship

Tatum Paxley has challenged for a TNA Championship [Image Credit: Tatum Paxley's Instagram]

One of the most notable partnerships the Stamford-based promotion recently forged is with TNA. Stars like Joe Hendry and Jordynne Grace have already appeared in the Stamford-based promotion, and Tatum Paxley is one of the names who appeared for the former IMPACT Wrestling.

On June 14, 2024, Tatum Paxley appeared at the 13th annual TNA Against All Odds event in Cicero, Illinois. During the show, she answered Jordynne's open challenge but failed to defeat her for the TNA Knockouts Championship.