Free agency remains a major part of professional wrestling. Stars jumping from one company to the next was a huge attraction to weekly shows, and it is something that has not changed in today's industry. WWE has released several names in recent months and there's a talk about who should AEW have its eye on in the future. Here are some recommendations on who could be signed in the future and who the company should stay away from long term.
Will Ospreay was once a highly-touted free agent who landed with AEW. Since joining the company, he's been on quite the run, with many declaring him perhaps the best active wrestler in the world today. He had some interesting words for performers who were released from the WWE and how their next steps should or should not involve AEW.
"My heart goes out to them all, but I just think, we're looking for guys that are just appreciative of this posiion, instead of being like, 'Uh, got let go from WWE,' and just instantly assume that they can come here," Ospreay said while speaking on JJRBTS Rehased. "Go out and prove to other people that you're wanted. Like, go to New Japan, go to NOAH, go to STARDOM, go elsewhere and improve their houses before you can think, 'Oh, I'm just going to come here.'"
That's a strong statement from a leader at AEW. Especially as this company was teerting dangerously close to becoming the promotion where former WWE names jumped once leaving the biggest promotion in the world. With several names being released in recent weeks, here are some that AEW should be interested in and some the company should not.
Dakota Kai and Shayna Baszler: Immediate Pickups
AEW's women's division is once again gaining momentum. With Toni Storm and Mercedes Mone leading the way, there's a lot to be excited about. Other performers like Willow Nightingale, Kris Statlander, Harley Cameron, and others are stepping up. Plus, there's always the call for ATHENA to get more time on television. This division is deep, but it could use some additional help in the form of Dakota Kai and Shayna Baszler.
Dakota Kai and Shayna Baszler are two examples of beloved performers who did not get an opportunity to shine on the WWE main roster. They were immediately packaged away as background performers, or underutilized entirely. Baszler had the cache to be a main event performer, a top champion, especially as a threat against Ronda Rousey and others. Fans wanted to see Kai hold one of the mid card titles
These are two veterans who could help the women's division while also getting that opportunity to be positioned as featured performers alongside wrestlers who want to work with them. These are two names that AEW should look to sign when they become available.
Elayna Black and Mara Sade: Wait and See
As just mentioned, AEW's women's division is in a great position. There's a mix of experienced and young talent ready to give the fans the presentation of women's wrestling they've wanted to see from the alternative brand of wrestling. There's so much to look forward to in this group, and while interesting names like Elayna Black and Mara Sade may be available, AEW should stay away from signing these performers until they follow Ospreay's advice.
Black, in particular, was on Ariel Helwani's podcast talking openly about her WWE release and mentioned AEW as a place she'd like to perform. Some individuals took to social media to push back on the idea of her being signed, hinting that she'd use the exposure just to jump back to WWE. Sade, on the other hand, has talked about wanting to go to Japan and such an excursion would be great for her at this point in her career.
Black has much more experience than Sade, but they are both in a position where they could benefit from time in other companies. Perhaps a run in STARDOM or TNA Wrestling would do them both well before moving to AEW.
R-Truth and Carlito: Stay Away From Signing
Listen, R-Truth and Carlito are two great members of the professional wrestling community. Two names who mean a lot to the business, especially for their contributions as people of color. While it is important to recognize that, it is also important to note that their best days are behind them. Far behind them. It may be funny to bring them in for a comedic segment or two, but AEW should not look to sign either man to a long-term deal.
R-Truth and Carlito will continue to contribute to professional wrestling in a variety of ways. However, they do not need to take space on an AEW roster that doesn't utilize everyone under contract as it is.
Free agency is an exciting part of professional wrestling. 2024 saw a lot of great names show up in AEW, WWE, or other companies, giving their career a shot in the arm along the way. Many fans are expecting AEW to pick up some of the names who were recently cut from WWE. If that happens, there are some who should get those opportunities over others.