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For the most part, AEW have offered a fantastic alternative over the past 18 months, and while their tag team and men's singles divisions are thriving, the women's division continues to lack behind. It's not for lack of trying, as they've attempted to push several people and give the fans some big moments, but unfortunately, they just currently don't have the star power and talent in the division to elevate it to the level of other companies.
In some parts, the division can be credited for trying new stars and taking chances on people and ideas, but given how great WWE and IMPACT have booked their women's division, it's just weird to see AEW fall behind in this manner. All is not lost, however, as people returning from injuries and travel restrictions will help, but it's clear that AEW need new blood in their division.
While signing new talent alone won't fix all of their problems, it will certainly give them more bodies and talent to give chances too. The following five performers are women who could come in and be stars straight away, helping elevate the AEW Women's division.
Honorable mentions: 'Legit' Leyla Hirsch, Allysin Kay, Elayna Black, Priscilla Kelly, Laynie Luck, Steph De Lander.
#5 AEW should look to sign Killer Kelly
In wrestling, especially as of late, there are plenty of wrestlers that bring a combat sports background to their character, and while it doesn't work for some, there's no doubting that Portuguese native Killer Kelly does it incredibly well. She wrestles out of Germany, with wXw being her home promotion. Early on in her career, she has found tremendous success, with her biggest career moment coming in an amazing contest with Meiko Satomura in the first round of the 2019 Mae Young Classic.
Despite this, Kelly is no longer with WWE, and when travel restrictions are lifted from the current pandemic, it's safe to say that she will be one of the most sought-after free agents in the wrestling world. Whether Kelly returns to WWE with the NXT UK brand or moves abroad to chase her dreams with IMPACT, Ring of Honor, or AEW, she will be one of the biggest stars in the world in no time, meaning AEW would be wise to bring Kelly in and start marketing her as a star as soon as possible.
#4 AEW should look to sign Deonna Purrazzo
When she left WWE, many people assumed Deonna Purrazzo would head straight to AEW, but instead, she went to IMPACT and quickly became their champion, dethroning the impressive and dominant Jordynne Grace. 'The Virtuosa' is incredible between the ropes, boasting technical acumen that few, male or female, in the world can match up too. She hasn't made any secret of the fact that AEW is a destination she'd like to end up sometime.
Many may see it as another WWE castoff signing with the company, but given how great she is as a character and between the ropes, Purrazzo could quickly become the top female star in the company. Out of all the women on this list, Deonna is the one that we are most confident will end up in Tony Khan's company, and whether it happens now or sometime in 2021 or beyond, it's safe to say that one day, The Virtuosa will be holding gold in AEW.
#3 AEW should look to sign Madison Eagles
The Australian wrestling scene is on the rise as of late, and while there are plenty of young women who will make their name across the world one day, it's a veteran from Down Under that AEW should target next. Madison Eagles may not be the biggest name, but she's already traveled the globe, perfecting her craft, and was even the first woman to be ranked #1 on PWI's list without wrestling for WWE or IMPACT. It's time that she gets her shot at the biggest stage possible.
With AEW looking to present a sports-focused product, someone with the technical and physical prowess of Eagles is the perfect candidate, and although she isn't known well, she would be a superstar in no time. While up and coming wrestlers are what AEW needs, injecting a veteran like Eagles would immediately help, and matches with Britt Baker, Shida, Big Swole, Thunder Rosa, and so many others would be fantastic. It would be great to see Eagles finally get the credit and accolades she deserves.
#2 AEW should look to sign Millie McKenzie
The UK has been a hotbed for young professional wrestling stars over the past few years. While there are plenty of big-name women making their way through WWE, one that is setting herself apart away from the company is 'Suplex Millie', Millie McKenzie. Despite only just turning 20 years of age, Millie has wrestled for Progress, Rev Pro, and even WWE, and has shown incredible talent for her age, meaning AEW would be wise to bring her in as soon as possible.
Due to the current pandemic, it's hard to see this one coming true in 2020, but as soon as the world opens up again, AEW would be wise to bring in McKenzie and start bringing her up as a young superstar. As her nickname suggests, Suplex Millie is fantastic at throwing people around. While Team Taz is already booked up with Brian Cage and Ricky Starks, adding Suplex Millie with the Human Suplex Machine could be a stroke of genius and add another superstar to the AEW women's division.
#1 AEW should look to sign Tessa Blanchard
All has been quiet on the Tessa Blanchard front as of late, but given the pure star power that she exudes, it would be the best move for AEW to chase such a superstar for their division. This won't come without criticism, as Blanchard has been in the news over the past year for her poor attitude backstage and her accused racist act. However, if AEW can help her turn that around, they will have a genuine superstar on her hands.
While there have been rumors that every company in the world is interested in her services, it is AEW and WWE that are the favorites. Given the fact that she'd come in and be an immediate star in AEW (plus her dad is employed there), it wouldn't shock anyone if she turned up in the near future. With Thunder Rosa making plenty of appearances as of late plus Shida leading the division, getting the signature of Tessa would strengthen this division further and inject some much-needed life into it. AEW should make this their top priority.
