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AEW continues to bolster its roster with ex-WWE talent. With the latest batch of WWE releases, it has become such a regular occurrence that the attention immediately turns towards which talent Tony Khan will cherrypick next.
Plenty of ex-WWE stars have already joined AEW. They include the likes of Brodie Lee, Miro, Jox Moxley, Malakai Black, and Chris Jericho. The biggest shockers were arguably Bryan Danielson and Adam Cole, whom many thought would be with WWE for the rest of their careers.
Their decision to jump ship has been vindicated as the talents have managed to refresh their characters. There are still plenty of names that could make the move, with expiring contracts and unhappiness within WWE.
Here are 5 struggling WWE Superstars that Tony Khan could possibly turn into megastars.
#5. Cedric Alexander - From WWE to AEW
WWE's booking of Cedric Alexander has been frustrating for the most part. He is one of the most athletically-gifted wrestlers who has put on excellent matches in the cruiserweight division.
Big things were expected of Cedric when he made the jump to the main roster. Joining the Hurt Business felt like a major step that should have catapulted him into superstardom. But aside from a brief run with the RAW Tag Team Championship, the group broke up prematurely and he has floundered ever since.
Alexander has often been an afterthought and it certainly feels like AEW can give him a fairer shot at showcasing his true abilities. With his high-flying style, he will fit right in with Tony Khan's roster.
#4. Noami could glow in AEW
The AEW women's division is the weakest part of the roster and it can certainly use a dose of talent.
Enter Naomi. It's amazing to think that the former SmackDown Women's Champion has been with the WWE for over a decade. But she somehow remains underutilized and pushed aside in favor of other talent.
Naomi is a likable babyface with a strong connection with the WWE Universe. Her athleticism is unmatched and she manages her character well despite limited opportunities. Her recent feud with co-general manager Sonya Deville is especially frustrating as it trudges along with no payoff in sight.
AEW could be the perfect place for Naomi to be treated like the top star that she is. At 34, she is young enough to lead the division as a fighting champion over the next few years, either holding the AEW women's title or TBS championship. She's also experienced enough to guide younger girls in the promotion.
If Tony Khan wants to raid the WWE women's division, he should look no further than Naomi as his first choice.
#3. WWE to AEW - Cesaro
It could be a case of too little, too late for Cesaro in WWE. The Swiss Superman is undoubtedly one of the best professional wrestlers in the world, and fans are desperate to see him in a main event or at least win a top title.
Cesaro got his biggest push in 2021 when he won a marquee match at WrestleMania 37 against Seth Rollins and challenged Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship. But since that high, Cesaro has unfortunately slid down the card. It's unlikely that WWE will push him.
Now if Cesaro jumped to AEW, he could become a top title contender. Imagine the awe-inspiring matches he can have with the likes of Bryan Danielson, CM Punk, Kenny Omega and Adam Cole. Perhaps Tony Khan could give him a brief run at the World Championship, which would be a great acknowledgment of his abilities and drawing factor.
The Swiss Cyborg seems fairly content in WWE. But time is running out for him to have that one major title run. He should decide whether to stay in purgatory or try a new environment to boost his career.
#2. WWE to AEW - Mustafa Ali
If AEW truly wants to champion diversity, they should consider the most recognizable Muslim wrestler in the world right now. Not only is Mustafa Ali a great ambassador of his faith, he is one of the most underrated talents WWE has.
Ali made a great impact in the cruiserweight division before graduating to the main roster on SmackDown in 2019. He then had excellent bouts with Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton, impressing fans along the way. He was penciled in to compete at that year's Elimination Chamber match, but an untimely injury paved the way for Kofimania.
Since then, Ali turned heel and was the best part of the ill-fated Retribution. He even put Mansoor over in a well-received bout at last year's Crown Jewel. Unfortunately, WWE creatives can't seem to come up with anything worthwhile for Ali recently and he's even been sent home recently.
Ali has proven to be an impressive promo superstar, and his wrestling abilities hold up against the best of them. Tony Khan could put Ali in any spot in AEW and he will deliver.
#1. WWE to AEW - Ricochet
The way Ricochet has been booked on the main roster is head-scratching. With his unique moveset and incredible agility, Ricochet could've been a bigger deal on RAW. He is a human highlight reel and a real-life superhero with high-flying skills. Granted, his promos are nothing to write home about, but they can be seasoned with time.
Ricochet is a former NXT North American Champion and has also had a reign with the WWE United States Title. And while those are both terrific achievements, it just seems like the high-flyer should be soaring higher than he is right now.
That's exactly why AEW could sign Ricochet, and he could thrive when the focus is on in-ring performance. He could be a great addition to the roster and deliver spectacular bouts with the likes of Rey Fenix and old NXT rivals Adam Cole and Malakai Black.
