AEW is poised to capitalize on WWE’s recent mass releases, with reports indicating at least seven former WWE wrestlers are currently waiting to sign with AEW. WWE’s spring cleaning in 2026 resulted in the release of 23 wrestlers by April, including notable stars like Aleister Black, the Motor City Machine Guns, Sheamus, and The New Day. Once the mandatory 90-day non-compete clauses expired, these talents were free to negotiate elsewhere, attracting AEW’s attention as a prime landing spot for these free agents.

AEW President Tony Khan has publicly acknowledged the influx of free agents and confirmed the company is closely monitoring this talent pool. While AEW has signed fewer major names this year compared to prior years, the company successfully re-signed Andrade El Idolo and brought in other talents such as The Rascalz and Persephone. The proven success of integrating former WWE star Tommaso Ciampa, who quickly captured the TNT Championship, sets a precedent for AEW’s approach to signing ex-WWE wrestlers.

Several ex-WWE stars are considered prime candidates for AEW contracts. Sheamus, who turns 50 this year, is seen as a key acquisition to bolster AEW’s “big men” main event scene, offering both experience and in-ring credibility. The New Day, comprised of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, would revive AEW’s tag team division, already home to other top teams like FTR and Christian and Adam Copeland. Kairi Sane is another notable name who could immediately enhance AEW’s women’s roster, which has struggled with inconsistent booking and star departures.

The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) also represent a major potential signing, offering AEW a chance to strengthen its tag team division further. The duo had initially chosen WWE over AEW two years ago but now find themselves available again after WWE releases. Bringing in both The New Day and Motor City Machine Guns would create compelling matchups and invigorate AEW’s tag team scene, complementing the company’s current roster and giving fans exciting new rivalries to anticipate.