In the past several years, going from WWE to AEW has become commonplace as AEW has proven to be a haven for wrestlers to continue their careers on big stages. From arenas to stadiums, AEW has been a place where indie and international wrestlers can soar. It’s also where former WWE wrestlers can find their footing or simply re-invent themselves and their careers.
Upon examining past WWE releases, it’s apparent that these talents can be shaken up after being let go. For some, WWE is a lifelong goal, a dream come true. Losing can be demoralizing. With AEW providing an alternative, fans have seen talent seemingly recognize it as either a paycheck or a direction back to WWE in what could be considered the Cody Rhodes model. AEW promoter and CEO Tony Khan has learned this in the promotion’s short yet growing history, that not every WWE castoff is meant to be an AEW star. As such, he’s turned AEW into a place where, most of the time, wrestlers get out what they put into it.
From WWE to AEW…and Back Again
Stepping Stones
Let’s make one thing clear: there’s loyalty and there’s stepping stones. In navigating the industry, any place can be a stepping stone. Wrestlers looking to impress their way into WWE have viewed AEW as the place to stand out and make a comeback. It keeps them on television and allows them a presence at big pay-per-view events. If they play their cards right, they can wait for a call or email from WWE to come into the fold.
Most evident during the easing of the COVID-19 lockdown, the transition from WWE to AEW has been awkward. On occasion, there has been wrestlers who weren’t booked often due to an unwillingness to lose. At other times, roster members like Cody Rhodes, Andrade El Idolo, and Malakai Black left the company, allowing someone else to take over.
This is natural. Most controversially, nevertheless, was CM Punk’s tenure. Returning to pro wrestling after several years away, his antics in his two years in AEW split the fanbase. As such, Khan has seemingly created a new strategy regarding signing released WWE talents. While it’s exciting to think of what AEW can do with fan-favorite WWE wrestlers, it’s important to take precautions. They have to actively want to contribute and contribute as a team, as opposed to booking around someone.
A Place to Grow
Whereas some saw AEW as a path to WWE, notable names have proven loyal to the company. Business-wise, this is smart. Signing someone based on name value alone can be risky. The level of performance and backstage attitudes factor in more heavily now. Moreover, for your company to succeed, everyone must be on board. That’s the way art works. When people work together, great things happen.
It can be debated that Cody Rhodes did much of that. Jon Moxley arguably enjoyed the most impactful post-WWE run, stepping in whenever needed. Chris Jericho and Bryan Danielson have fit this mold as well. But it truly was Rhodes’ willingness to strike out on his own that led to other wrestlers seeing the opportunity to do the same. No longer was WWE the end-all, be-all.
But to not only leave WWE behind and embrace growing in AEW, it’s not impossible. While Athena toils away in ROH after shedding Ember Moon, she splashes each time she’s booked on the flagship promotion. Toni Storm and Swerve Strickland have made the most of their time since signing; it may have taken time after their initial gimmicks died down, but they’ve justified their places to become top stars.
Jumping Ship in 2025
As outlined by MJF in an interview with Scott Fishman from TV Insider, the standard has changed. To go to AEW means to bring your best. Bring something so undeniable. The company built its identity on that idea. To be elite. Outside of WWE, it’s not just about the moments. It’s the journey to them. The build to those cathartic highs without taking shortcuts.
Hell, it’s what much of the product from 2022-24 adapted to in WWE. That’s not a knock on WWE, either; that’s just smart. It’s what we call “adapting.” Content through patience, dedication, and heart is art—if there isn’t even a sliver of effort, then it’s simply content slop.
If there’s a marker for how to shine so bright that any company would froth at the mouth to sign you, to have you show up for even just one match, it’s that passion. That drive to create art through pro wrestling. That’s what Tony Khan’s looking for. Either you show you have true value, or you cut your teeth on the independent scene and leave your ego at the door—having been on WWE’s roster isn’t enough anymore.
Of course, it’s not a perfect system. Tony Khan has made missteps and will continue to do so. He’s only human. But he’s also willing to learn. What works and doesn’t work can change, and it does the more the crowd reacts and connects with his roster. So long as he sees greatness in a wrestler and they see greatness in AEW, the message is clear: Cooperation is all elite.
More From LWOS Pro Wrestling
Header photo – AEW – Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on AEW Dynamite and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world. As well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. You can catch AEW Dynamite on Wednesday nights at 8 PM ET on TBS. AEW Collision airs Saturday at 8 pm Eastern on TNT. More AEW content available on their YouTube
