8 WWE Wrestlers Who Shouldn't Even Think About Joining AEW
2024 has just begun and rumors are already rampant when it comes to the pro wrestling world. Will The Rock face Roman Reigns and, if so, when? Will Mercedes Mone show up in AEW? Will Andrade and Naomi return to WWE? The returns and moves from company to company have not been as wild and exciting since the height of the late-nineties wrestling boom. However, the start of 2024 is also a vastly different world from the summer of 2021. Back then, the world opened up again after the Covid pandemic and AEW had all the momentum. Fueled by the return of CM Punk to pro wrestling, AEW also signed Bryan Danielson and Adam Cole in the span of a few weeks, and (legitimately) sold out Arthur Ashe Stadium. Since then, the pendulum has swung significantly in WWE's favor, in part because of self-inflicted wounds on AEW's side, from their (continuous) backstage drama to poor, repetitive booking.
Every WWE Wrestler Whose Contract Expires In 2024
There are plenty of WWE contracts that are up in 2024. Will the promotion be able to re-sign them all?With momentum firmly in WWE's court though, it opens the opportunity for wrestlers who are unhappy, feel stagnant and/or have a contract expiring in 2024 to make the move and reinvigorate their career in AEW. Guys like Drew McIntyre or Kevin Owens may benefit from a change of scenery and, in Owens' case, also enjoy the extra time with their family that AEW's schedule permits. However, there is also some talent whose contract are up in the not-so-distant future, that would be (likely) ill-advised to check out how green the grass is on the other side. With that in mind, here are 8 WWE wrestlers that shouldn't even think about going to AEW - at least not anytime soon.
8 The Stars Aligned For Seth Rollins
Benefits From Triple H In Charge Of Creative
- Current World Heavyweight Champion
- Contract Reportedly Ends In June 2024
- Husband Of Becky Lynch
Seth Rollins is probably the most prominent name on this list. He is also a favorite of Triple H and is guaranteed to be one of the main players for the foreseeable future. While his current contract is reportedly up in June 2024, Seth would be ill-advised to leave the WWE. Part of the reason is that Seth has a secured spot in the main event under Triple H and couldn't improve his standing in AEW, but he also gets to travel with his wife - which brings us to the next talent.
7 Becky Lynch Has Little To Gain From A Move To AEW
Her Future May Depend On Rollins' Plans
- Contract Reportedly Ends In June 2024
- Wife Of Seth Rollins
- Won The First Women's Main Event in Wrestlemania History
Becky Lynch is one of the most decorated women's wrestler of this generation and, at one time, was the most popular wrestler - male or female. Becky is also a new mother and may (or may not) consider hanging up the boots in the not-so-distant future. While the AEW schedule would allow her to spend more time with daughter Roux, it would also be tough environment to get into. The AEW women's division is not exactly the promotion's strong point and Becky, automatically the biggest star, would step into a locker room that has had issues in the past.
Andrade Issues Statement Thanking AEW, Lists Wrestlers He Wished He'd Faced
Andrade has spoken on his AEW departure for the first time since his contract expired on New Year's Eve.6 Ricochet Is A Novelty In WWE
The High Flyer May Get Lost In The Shuffle In AEW
- Contract Reportedly Ends In The Summer Of 2024
- Engaged To Ring Announcer Samantha Irwin
Ricochet is a guy that, at first glance, may benefit from a switch to AEW. Not only is he well-connected with talent there through his PWG days but he also seems to fit into the locker room in terms of size and wrestling style. However, this is part of the problem. Ricochet would not stand out in AEW as he does in WWE and so it is questionable whether he would play a significantly better role in AEW. Plus, he would be away from his fiancee, ring announcer Samantha Irwin, a lot more. For those reasons, it is likely better for Ricochet to stay in WWE.
5 Austin Theory Needs To Tough It Out
The Prodigy Needs To Find His Voice In WWE
- Lost A Big Supporter In Vince McMahon
- Former Two-Time US Champion
Austin Theory is one of those rare cases that had a better main roster run under Vince McMahon than his run in NXT under Triple H. Once he was called up, Theory was pushed quickly as McMahon's protege and put into prominent programs. He won the Money in the Bank contract and the US Title. However, things have quieted down recently with Theory and he has teamed up with Grayson Waller. However, Theory is only 26 years old and he has time. AEW could be an option down the road - especially if his position doesn't improve in WWE - but for now, it would not be advisable. Except MJF, younger talent hasn't been able to establish themselves permanently in AEW's main event either and Theory may be a soldier without a country in AEW's locker room.
10 AEW Wrestlers With The Most Wins In 2023, Ranked
AEW's in-ring work was top tier in 2023 and many wrestlers stood out as not only great performers, but as strong winners as well.4 Street Profits Are A Cornerstone Of The WWE Tag Team Division
Whether As A Team Or As Singles: The Profits' Future Looks Good In WWE
- Both Contracts Expected To Expire In 2024
- Montez Ford Is Married To Bianca Belair
The Street Profits have been a cornerstone of the WWE tag team division since they were formed in NXT in 2016. After their call-up to the main roster in 2019, Montez Ford was singled out by many fans and reporters as the future breakout star of the team, but a split hasn't happened yet. With both contract expected to expire in 2024, it is a critical year for both Ford and partner Angelo Dawkins. Whether they split or not, their future likely lies with WWE as AEW's tag team division is not exactly setting the world on fire. Add to that the fact that Ford is married to Bianca Belair and it is easy to see why AEW doesn't seem to be an option for both men at the moment.
3 Sami Zayn Already Missed The Jump
Embracing The WWE Style Has Led To Zayn's Emergence Into Main Event
- Contract Reportedly Expires Late-2024
- Best Friends with Kevin Owens
While a move from Kevin Owens to AEW may influence Sami's decision, he would be best advised to stay in WWE nonetheless. There is a simple reason: Zayn's work has shifted. The former mute luchador has turned up his promo game significantly and changed his in-ring style a little as a result of mounting injuries. He has become a beloved babyface in WWE, and while his highest accolades - last year's Elimination Chamber and WrestleMania main events - may already be behind him, Sami has the tools to get over again and climb the mountain top.
Every WWE Wrestler Whose Contract Expires In 2024
There are plenty of WWE contracts that are up in 2024. Will the promotion be able to re-sign them all?2 LA Knight Fits Better In WWE
Late Bloomer Personifies The WWE Style Of Years Gone By
- Current Contract Reportedly Expires 2025
- Former Max Dupri
LA Knight's WWE career seemed dead before it ever started. Debuting as Max Dupri on the main roster, Knight was penciled in as a manager for the Maximum Male Models stable before Triple H took over creative. Since then, Knight has had a meteoric rise to the Smackdown main event picture. Even though Knight's contract negotiations have reportedly halted (for now), there is no doubt that he should remain with WWE. Knight's strong suit is his personality and promo. Given the fact he is already 41 years old, Knight may well ride the current WWE wave as long as he can instead of trying to get to the same point in another company.
1 Randy Orton Is A WWE Legend
Orton's Approach To Pro Wrestling May Lead To Another CM Punk-Like Situation In AEW
- 14-Time World Champion
- Recently Returned From Back Injury
It almost seems unnecessary to say that Randy Orton should (and will) not leave WWE but since his contract reportedly expires in 2024, it probably warrants this entry. Orton is a 14-time world champion in WWE and is one of the most respected voices in that locker room. Knowing Orton's background, moving to AEW would definitely shake things up (much like CM Punk did), but it wouldn't make much sense from a career or personal perspective, also given his relationship with Triple H.
