4 Former AEW Stars Who Could Make Their WWE Debuts at SummerSlam 2026

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To make the show more exciting and generate a few extra headlines, WWE could even introduce new faces at the Minneapolis event. It would be even more shocking if the debutant were from the competition: AEW.

In the past few years, many stars from the Tony Khan-led promotion have jumped ship to the global juggernaut. It is certainly not going to stop, and fans could see it at SummerSlam as well. Here are four former AEW stars who could make their WWE debuts at The Biggest Party of the Summer.

#4. Kiera Hogan

Kiera Hogan spent four years with AEW and was best known for her time in The Baddies alongside Jade Cargill and Red Velvet. She left the promotion in 2025 and has not been active on the wrestling scene.

That said, SummerSlam could be the right time for her debut if she were to come to the global juggernaut. Jade Cargill is expected to be involved in a major match against Charlotte Flair. WWE could use the rivalry to introduce Hogan and reunite her with her former ally.

It would also give Hogan a clear direction from the start. Instead of debuting on her own, she could align with Cargill and immediately become part of one of the biggest stories in the women’s division.

#3. & #2. The Butcher and The Blade

The Butcher and The Blade are now free agents after their AEW contracts expired in June 2026. The veteran tag team spent nearly seven years with the promotion before their run came to an end.

If the company is always looking to strengthen its tag team division, The Butcher and The Blade could bring plenty of experience to the roster. Their arrival would also add another established team to the division.

SummerSlam could be the perfect place for their debut. A surprise appearance at one of WWE’s biggest shows of the year would immediately put the spotlight on the former AEW stars and give the tag team division two new competitors.

#1. Mike Santana could make his WWE debut

Mike Santana is another former AEW star who could debut in WWE at SummerSlam. The 35-year-old spent five years in the Jacksonville-based company. After leaving the promotion in 2024, he joined TNA Wrestling and quickly worked his way to the top.

That said, his future is once again uncertain. Santana recently lost the TNA World Championship to Nic Nemeth, and reports have suggested that his contract is set to expire soon. That has naturally led to speculation about a possible move to WWE.

SummerSlam would be a great place for his debut. The former TNA World Champion could arrive on the main roster and immediately establish himself as one of the company’s newest signings.