3 WWE Superstars Who Might Join AEW in 2026

WWE Superstars Who Could Leave for AEW in 2026

WWE has been the largest brand in professional wrestling for more than two decades, ever since WCW went under in 2001. However, Tony Khan creating All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2019 was a game-changer for the industry as it presented an alternative and a new “war” for wrestling fans to compare.

Fans have seen the likes of Chris Jericho and Cody Rhodes switch sides from WWE to AEW and vice versa throughout the years. As the professional wrestling world continues to evolve, there is increasing speculation that some major WWE stars could make their way to AEW in 2026.

Here are three WWE stars that could make that leap next year.

1. Bayley – The Hugger Could Find a New Home in AEW

Bayley, from WWE’s Four Horsewomen, is super respected but kinda underrated lately. She’s done a lot – like winning championships and Money in the Bank – she’s sometimes not as noticed as Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch.

Word is, Bayley’s WWE deal might end in 2026. If she’s not feeling the vibe creatively, she might look somewhere else. Just like her best friend Mercedes Moné (Sasha Banks) did when she went to AEW, Bayley might do the same to find herself again as a wrestler.

If Bayley showed up in AEW, it would be great for their women’s division. We could finally see those dream matches against Toni Storm, Hikaru Shida, and Britt Baker that everyone’s been wanting.

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2. DIY​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ (Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano) Tag Team Kings

Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano, collectively known as DIY, were the ones who changed the face of tag team wrestling in the NXT period. Their emotional storytelling, in ring chemistry, and rivalry made them fan favorites instantly.

Both of them have had a few brief singles runs on the WWE main roster but their talent has not been fully explored. As a tag team, they have seemingly gone through everything in WWE, from tearful breakups to reunions.

It might be a new beginning for DIY if they were to come into AEW the reason being AEW’s tag division is arguably the best in the world. Just think of DIY wrestling against The Young Bucks, FTR, or The Acclaimed matches that would make the wrestling world go crazy.

AEW’s main focus is on technical wrestling and long term storytelling, which happen to be the two areas where DIY would be able to excel ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌immensely.

3. Austin Theory – The Future Star WWE Let Slip Away?

Austin Theory was at one time labeled as “the future of WWE,” but his momentum has flat-lined as of late. After an impressive United States Championship run, and a couple of feuds that elevated his star status, he has disappeared from WWE programming.

The last thing that fans saw him do was be a tag team partner of Grayson Waller (which got some fans excited), and then they were split up abruptly. Since the last time fans saw him wrestle, they are questioning if he is still employed by WWE.

Theory is only 27 years old but has the charisma, ‘look’, athleticism, and confidence to become a pretty big star anywhere he decided to land. The AEW roster is chock full of talent, Theory could leverage AEW to rebuild his brand, and show his engulfed audience all he has to offer like Cody Rhodes did on his return to WWE.

His career may benefit more from a move to AEW in 2026, giving fans a new version of Austin Theory 2.0.

Why Wrestlers Are Jumping Ship from WWE to AEW

AEW’s success has not only stirred up competition but also handed wrestlers something they really want: creative control. A lot of WWE folks are itching for that. Tony Khan’s wrestling company has turned into a safe space for those who feel they’re not getting enough screen time or are just plain bored with what they’re doing in WWE.

Big names, like Bryan Danielson (you might know him as Daniel Bryan) and Adam Cole, have switched over to AEW. They’re after better stories, schedules that aren’t so crazy, and a chance to perform for fans who are seriously into it.

WWE will keep changing its lineup after 2025, so some wrestlers might start looking around for new gigs. That could make 2026 a wild year for wrestling free agents.