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All Elite Wrestling have set the wrestling world abuzz with the announcement of their fledgling promotion, which has already announced huge names such as Chris Jericho and the Elite members as part of their roster. They will likely add the best wrestler in the world today in Kenny Omega to their ranks over the coming days as well.
It appears as if there are at least two huge television deals on the table for AEW too. Whether it is episodic weekly television or more sporadic TV to support their big events, this is hugely encouraging news for Cody and company and will make them major players in the pro-wrestling landscape. They could be the first real competition that Vince McMahon and WWE has had in two decades since WCW fell off a cliff in spring 1999.
While the world waits for AEW's debut event, Double or Nothing from Las Vegas, Nevada in three months' time, the world is becoming excited for the next wave of additions to AEW's burgeoning roster.
There are some big WWE names that have been linked with AEW such as the recently released Hideo Itami (soon to be known once again as KENTA) and the soon to depart Dean Ambrose (likely to be returning to his Jon Moxley moniker).
However, there are several WWE names who are unlikely to be available in the near future due to their WWE status or contract situations, but would be a natural fit for the AEW roster.
In the following slideshow, SK looks at four current WWE superstars who are unlikely to leave WWE in the near future for varying reasons, bu their styles and statuses would make them a perfect fit for the fledgling company.
#4 Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens is currently on the shelf injured, but the man formerly known as Kevin Steen would be a tremendous fit for the company were he to be available to them.
However, he isn't and won't be until 2023 at the earliest. This is because last year Owens signed a five year contract extension to tie him to WWE for the foreseeable future.
One wonders whether Owens, with the emergence of AEW, is now kicking himself, as he appears to have reached his career ceiling in WWE and spent most of 2018 staring at the lights for the athletes that WWE sees as the true stars of the promotion.
Owens is a fantastic talker, an athletic big man and at 34 years of age still has youth on his side.
At present AEW doesn't have anybody like Owens under contract and he would be a perfect foil for onscreen friend and foe, Chris Jericho and members of the Elite.
Perhaps Owens asks for a contract release and WWE atypically grants it. There is no doubt that Owens and AEW appear to fit together like a hand in a glove. However, unfortunately it appears extremely unlikely to happen.
#3 Finn Balor
Finn Balor would be a perfect fit in AEW.
The list of dream matches in which he could participate in are already long and mouth watering, and the thought of the former Prince Devitt locking horns with the likes of Kenny Omega, Chris Jericho, Jimmy Havoc, and Cody Rhodes are the things that dreams are made of, quite frankly.
However, much like Owens, it is unlikely to occur. Balor reportedly penned a contract extension at the end of 2018, which explains his renewed push so far in 2019.
After a year spent mired in the mid-card, Balor very suddenly saw himself thrust into the spotlight in a high profile feud with Brock Lesnar and shockingly dominated their Royal Rumble title match.
One wonders if WWE will ever utilise Balor to his full potential but a switch to AEW, at least in the near future now seems impossible.
That is a shame as Balor and AEW appear made for each other.
#2 Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar is a man who does what he wants when he wants. He has already competed in UFC whilst under WWE contract and rumours persist that he will do so again in 2019.
What's more astonishing is that reports have surfaced to suggest Lesnar might be angling to do business with AEW as well.
So, the question is, can he push WWE to allow him to compete for a company who could soon turn into genuine competition?
It seems unlikely. Would WWE permit Bret Hart to work for WCW at the same time as the WWF? The Montreal Screwjob should answer that question.
But, Lesnar, pardon the pun, is a different beast entirely.
It seems bonkers that WWE's top draw could split his time between two of their main competitors and potentially take millions of dollars out of his parent company's hands but history has shown that when it comes to Lesnar, the normal rules do not apply.
Surely this cannot happen, can it?
#1 Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins is the man in WWE right now but presumably his contract is up for renewal currently, much like his former Shield buddy, Dean Ambrose.
Unlike Ambrose, WWE have largely done right by Rollins as a singles guy. He received the big push after the initial Shield split back in 2014, won the WWE Championship from Brock Lesnar, at Wrestlemania 31 no less, and held onto the strap for most of the year.
Even after he returned to the mid-card after his lukewarm match with Triple H at Wrestlemania 33, he was a featured part of television. His consistently excellent matches earned him the respect and support of the WWE Universe, which has taken him to a Royal Rumble victory and potential title win over Lesnar once again at Wrestlemania 35.
He would be a good fit in AEW, with his youth, athleticism and star power, and people still recall his Ring of Honor run as Tyler Black. However, WWE has given him the keys to the kingdom. Why would he leave?
