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When AEW first started in 2019, there was no telling how successful the new company would be. Therefore, signing for the fledgling promotion was considered a risky proposition.
Fast forward to 2021, and the entire focus has been on which WWE Superstars will make the jump to join AEW as it continues to evolve into a legitimate alternative for the wrestling community. From Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson to Adam Cole and Ruby Soho, several big names have made the transition.
WWE had no problem signing people from WCW during the Monday Night Wars, but no one has crossed over from AEW to Vince McMahon's company other than some undercard talents like Cora Jade and Gigi Dolin.
While it's been chiefly one-way traffic, there will eventually come a time when AEW wrestlers will go the other way as well. As Tony's roster continues to grow, the fear of overstuffing will cause a few stars to weigh their options, but who should WWE try to sign from AEW? Here are our five predictions.
#5. AEW to WWE - Brian Cage
Expectations were high when former IMPACT World Champion Brian Cage debuted at AEW in 2020. He was immediately treated as a big deal and challenged as the world champion at the time. The Machine even had a faction built around him with Team Taz. While it's clear he has been given plenty of opportunities to succeed; he's been unable to capitalize on them.
Brian Cage is an excellent heavyweight wrestler who brings plenty of innovative moves and an awe-inspiring presence. Given his sheer size and physicality, Cage is the exact archetype that Vince McMahon would be interested in signing.
Cage was previously released from WWE Developmental in 2009, and returning to the company was always a dream for the big man. Imagine the titanic battles he could have with Bobby Lashley, Big E, and Brock Lesnar if he debuts on the main roster.
#4. AEW to WWE - The Acclaimed
AEW has a stacked tag team division. Jurassic Express is the newly crowned tag team champions, having defeated Lucha Bros in the first Dynamite on TBS. Judging by the number of teams that appeared on the stage immediately after the main event, there's going to be a long line of competitors hoping to get the first shot.
The Acclaimed is one such duo lost in the shuffle, victims of AEW's increasingly bloated roster. Max Caster and Anthony Bowes are two highly charismatic individuals who are entertaining on the mic and in the ring. Caster's pre-match raps have been connecting well with the audience, and they have excelled in every spot they're given.
As young wrestlers with many upsides, they might not want to stay in the background. WWE could benefit from adding a young, dynamic duo to their thinning tag team division. Whether in NXT or WWE, The Acclaimed can immediately shine and work well opposite the likes of Team RK-Bro, The New Day, and The Usos.
#3. AEW to WWE - Ricky Starks
Ricky Starks has all the tools to be a top star in any company. Confident in both the mic and the ring, he has aligned himself with Team Taz for most of his time in AEW. He is the de facto leader, having ousted Brian Cage from the group and taking control of the FTW championship. But injuries have hampered his progress, with other new signings surpassing him.
WWE would love to pick up Starks and fully showcase his charisma and athleticism. He's young enough to be molded into the company's style and has worked with The Undertaker and Roman Reigns in some capacity.
Starks even had a tryout with the company in 2017, but it didn't work out. Now that he has had a chance to showcase himself on national TV, WWE might want to give the rising star a second chance.
#2. AEW to WWE - Nyla Rose
Nyla Rose was pushed heavily earlier in AEW and was treated as a top star in their women's division. But recently, the Native Beast has had to take a backseat to other new signings and burgeoning female stars. Rather than being a big part of the AEW Women's Championship scene, Nyla has not had a significant feud while wrestling, mostly on Dark.
Rose would slot perfectly into the WWE women's division, which has not had a powerhouse heavyweight since the release of Nia Jax. Considering Nyla is an established name in the business, this would also be an excellent statement. She would pose an immediate threat to current champions Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair.
#1. AEW to WWE - MJF
WWE could deliver a massive blow to AEW by singing one of their fastest-rising talents, MJF. The Pinnacle leader is a future star. If AEW doesn't tie him down on a long-term contract soon, the young star could leave for WWE when his deal ends in 2024.
Out of all the AEW wrestlers, MJF seems tailor-made for Vince McMahon. He's already one of the best promo-cutters in the wrestling business and is highly skilled inside the ring. WWE would love to have someone who can get a reaction from the audience as naturally as he does.
