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#2. AEW Star Austin Gunn
Like several AEW Stars on this list, Austin Gunn started his wrestling training after graduating from college. The son of WWE Hall of Famer and current AEW Star Billy Gunn went to Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. He graduated with a degree in elementary education in 2017.
That same year, the 27-year-old started his wrestling training under his father at the Team 3D Academy. After only two months of training, Gunn made his wrestling debut at an independent show teaming up with his father to win a three-on-two handicap match.
"Our deal was if you graduate college you can do whatever you want. My youngest, Austin, came to me the day before graduation (Rollins College) and said I want to give this a shot. I went 'oh I thought I dodged it,'" Billy Gunn told Spectrum News. "The bad part is, he is really good," he added.
Gunn joined AEW in January 2020. He is now part of the Gunn Club stable, alongside his father, Billy, and brother, Colten.
#1. AEW Star Jade Cargill
Before becoming a pro wrestler, AEW Star Jade Cargill played basketball in high school. She then went to Jacksonville University in Florida to study social science. The 29-year-old continued to play basketball in college. Despite being a skilled player, Cargill did not want to pursue a professional career in the sport following her graduation.
After earning her college degree, Cargill worked in the fitness industry. She also earned a master's degree in Child Psychology.
In 2019, the 29-year-old started her wrestling training and attended a WWE tryout. On the Wrestling With The Week podcast, Cargill claimed she turned down an offer from WWE.
"My brother and I loved wrestling growing up. Got away from it and then the opportunity came up with Mark Henry. He set me up with a (WWE) tryout. It went well, I was asked to come, turned it down, and here I am in AEW," she said.
Cargill joined AEW in November 2020. She recently defeated Leyla Hirsch on AEW Dynamite.
