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AEW is currently building a strong roster of wrestlers as they are well underway into their third year as a wrestling promotion. So far, AEW has succeeded in securing several former WWE Superstars as part of their roster. This has helped them put on high-profile matches as they look to build on their storylines.
2021 is a critical year for AEW as they are now past the time they are a fledgling company. Wrestling fans are looking for them to make a statement of their intentions.
They need to regularly put on storylines that would help attract the fans' interests and also attract the attention of casual wrestling fans. While their current roster is packed with top names in the wrestling business, a few more signings would give them the legitimacy they need to establish themselves.
Let's take a look at five of the best wrestling free agents that AEW could sign to help establish themselves further.
It should be noted that the list will not include Brock Lesnar as it's extremely unlikely he will sign with AEW. Chris Jericho also stated that he doubted WWE would let Lesnar sign with any other company.
"But even so, even if you offered Brock a 100 'squllion' dollars, you know, Vince has 200 'squillion' dollars in the bank. I don't think he's going to just let Brock leave to come to AEW. And I don't think he will let Brock go to UFC either. That's the game that they play and they're both very smart businessmen." - Chris Jericho
#5 Davey Boy Smith Jr. could sign with AEW
Davey Boy Smith Jr.'s contract with MLW ended in early December 2020. As a result, he became one of the biggest free agents on the market.
His earlier run and association with WWE has made him a target to return to the company. Since he left in 2011, he has become one of the most critically acclaimed wrestlers in the world.
Since he left MLW, there have been rumors about IMPACT Wrestling, WWE, and AEW. WWE even held talks with him recently. According to Smith, since he lived in Tampa, Florida, there was interest in him going down to NXT.
“There has been interest in me going to NXT down here in Orlando. I live down here in Tampa, Florida, so I’ve just been feeling things out, trying to get a lay of the land, so to speak.”
Even with him talking to WWE, an offer from AEW could see him sign with their competition. Whoever signs him will be getting an immense wrestler, so for now it's time to wait and watch.
#4 Andrade could sign with AEW
Andrade remains one of WWE's biggest recent releases. Signing him would let AEW grab the headlines once again. After a long career on NXT, when he was paired with Zelina Vega, it was a match made in heaven. He finally got that push he had been waiting for and soon enough, there was no stopping him. He was defeating everyone he came across and there didn't seem to be anyone who could stop him.
He won the NXT Championship and then came to the main roster. There, soon enough, he was pushed hard and fast. He won the WWE United States Championship. WWE seemed to have a lot of plans for him. Unfortunately, his momentum seemed to die out.
He found himself sitting on the sidelines. He didn't have the same energy as he once did, and despite a promising tag team with Angel Garza, it didn't work out. Zelina Vega was suddenly released from the company, days after she was removed from Andrade's side. While her release had to do with the newly introduced third-party rule, Andrade's run also seemed to suffer at the same time.
He hardly appeared on television and then requested his release. WWE granted his release, and he is now a free agent. Wherever he goes next, it would be a huge signing — especially if he goes to AEW.
If AEW manages to sign Andrade, his potential matches with the likes of Pentagon, Fenix and Kenny Omega will be mouthwatering. There are multiple things he could do as a part of AEW that would lead to excellent storylines.
#3 Rob Van Dam could sign with AEW
Signing Rob Van Dam to AEW would be a major scoop for the company.
Rob Van Dam was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2021. One of the most beloved wrestlers of all time, Van Dam is one of the most memorable characters for his time in WWE and ECW.
He built a whole fanbase for himself from his exploits as the laidback but extremely athletic character he portrayed. RVD is truly "one of a kind" and no one has been able to replicate the success he found in the wrestling ring.
His years in WWE didn't see him achieve the best success in the title picture, but he still managed to win top titles and remain relevant. RVD was part of IMPACT Wrestling until recently. Now that he has been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, it's unclear whether he will have a final run with them.
As of this moment, it appears that he is a free agent. AEW does not shy away from signing veterans. Signing Rob Van Dam would allow them to give him a limited wrestling role and let him lead a faction of other wrestlers instead, thereby building their younger AEW roster further.
#2 Carlito could sign with AEW
Carlito recently stated that he was open to signing with either WWE or AEW. He made a shock return to WWE after being away from the company during the 2021 Royal Rumble event.
After Royal Rumble, fans were hopeful he would be appearing regularly in WWE. Unfortunately, after a few appearances, he disappeared from programming. In an interview, Carlito admitted that he was not under contract with WWE. He also confessed that he was open to seeing wherever he could fit in — be it WWE or AEW.
"I'm open to whatever, man. Whatever great idea is out there, I'm willing to listen and see if I fit in there somehow."
Signing Carlito would be a major achievement for AEW. He has a big name value to him. The fans have not seen him wrestle for a long time, and thus would be interested in seeing what he brings to the matches.
With AEW, Carlito could have convincing feuds with anyone on the roster. A mid-card wrestler with the potential to wrestle in main events, Carlito would be the perfect addition to their company.
#1 Tessa Blanchard could sign with AEW
Tessa Blanchard has connections in AEW. Her father, Tully Blanchard, is a part of the company.
She has been absent from the wrestling ring since the start of the pandemic. After several disagreements with IMPACT Wrestling, she was stripped of the title and released by the company.
Since her release, both WWE and AEW have been rumored to be interested in signing her. She is yet to sign with either company.
Given her connections to AEW, she could very well head there and join her father in The Pinnacle faction. However, she also has connections in WWE, having competed there earlier during the Mae Young Classic tournament. She was also an enhancement talent on NXT for a while.
Tessa Blanchard is the biggest name in women's wrestling who has not signed with anyone. If she signs with AEW, it would help to bolster their oft-criticized women's division. Currently, it looks like they are trying to improve, so the addition of Blanchard would go a long way.
Given her controversial history with backstage behavior, there remains some risk. If AEW does sign her, it should lead to some interesting storylines.
