Movement between WWE, AEW, and other wrestling promotions has become a spectator sport ever since Kenny Omega, the Young Bucks, Cody Rhodes, and others started AEW in 2019.
Huge names like Jon Moxley and Mercedes Mone left WWE for AEW. Rhodes, Ricky Saints, Ethan Page, and many others went the other direction, with some joining NXT.
As 2025 enters its final two months, some performers could be wrestling elsewhere at this time next year. The next five WWE stars could jump ship to AEW in 2026.
#5. Dragon Lee recently won tag team gold on RAW
Dragon Lee started in NXT but quickly joined the main roster during the LWO/Judgment Day feud. Due to releases and injuries, the LWO disappeared from RAW, yet Lee has operated on his own.
While he recently captured the World Tag Team titles alongside AJ Styles, Lee’s current contract expires at the end of the year. If he’s unhappy with how his WWE tenure has gone, he could opt to leave.
His brothers, Rush and Dralistico, are members of La Faccion Ingobernable. He may want to wrestle with his family in AEW.
#4. Nikkita Lyons & #3. Wendy Choo have been used in Evolve
One trend that’s arisen with the advent of Evolve as a WWE brand is when stars from NXT go to Evolve. It helps to have experienced performers help the newest crop of stars learn the craft.
Many names, like Ridge Holland, Dani Palmer, Javier Bernal, Gallus, Riley Osborne, and Oro Mensah, were still let go after brief stints in Evolve. Nikkita Lyons and Wendy Choo have lasted a bit longer, but are used to put others over.
Either woman could request a release and look to work elsewhere. Choo wrestled for Ring of Honor, whereas Lyons is a unique star who’s been underutilized.
#2. Michin may want a new start outside of WWE
Michin is a great performer but has struggled to consistently connect with the WWE Universe. She always delivers when given opportunities, like in Women’s United States title feuds on SmackDown.
The former Knockouts Champion may just need the proper gimmick, but time could be running out in WWE to find it. She could be released or request to be let go to try her luck elsewhere.
Her husband, Keith Lee, is on the AEW roster but has been off programming for nearly two years. She could join her husband or help out in ROH like fellow former Knockouts Champions Deonna Purrazzo and Taya Valkyrie.
#1. AJ Styles may not retire in 2026
AJ Styles has repeatedly claimed he’d be retiring once his current deal ends. That deal is up in 2026, but he just captured tag team gold along with Dragon Lee.
That run could end at any time due to booking decisions. Officials will probably want to give the Vision a run with tag team gold, so The Phenomenal One could just be keeping the gold warm for Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker.
Styles is one of the most revered wrestlers in the world and has ties to New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Despite having a proper sendoff in Japan recently, he could truly end things with a run in AEW.
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