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Since bursting onto the scene in 2019, AEW has emerged as the most legitimate alternative to WWE since WCW. The upstart promotion has regularly produced compelling content and delivered some incredible moments, rejuvenating the professional wrestling industry.
While AEW has successfully built homegrown stars such as Hangman Page, MJF, and Britt Baker, the company has also added big names such as Chris Jericho, CM Punk, and Bryan Danielson to its roster who were main eventers in WWE. These additions have not only helped to elevate the quality of the product but also given it a great deal of exposure.
It is impossible to tell the story of WWE without some of the stars who've left for AEW. Many of them will eventually be enshrined in the Hall of Fame even if they never have another match at WrestleMania.
With that being said, here are 5 AEW stars who will be WWE Hall of Famers:
#5 Jon Moxley will go into the WWE Hall of Fame as a member of The Shield
While Jon Moxley was a big star in WWE, he had an underwhelming singles run with the company. Even though most fans thought that Moxley had the most potential of all the wrestlers in The Shield, comparing him to legends such as Terry Funk and Roddy Piper, he was stifled by lackluster creative.
The 35-year-old wasn't the greatest fit for WWE's backstage environment, which eventually wore him down. Moxley grew weary of the scripted promos, and didn't enjoy playing a goofy character more reminiscent of Kramer from Seinfeld than a serious main eventer.
Even if Moxley's singles run won't earn him an induction, he will almost certainly make the cut as a member of The Shield. The Hounds of Justice were one of the most impactful factions in modern professional wrestling and are still beloved by the fans. They will join the likes of The nWo, The Fabulous Freebirds and The Four Horsemen in the Hall of Fame.
#4 Paul Wight spent over two decades in WWE
A veteran of over two decades, Paul Wight is undoubtedly a WWE icon. He made his debut during the height of the Attitude Era, interfering in a steel cage match between Vince McMahon and Stone Cold Steve Austin in 1999. He managed to remain in a prominent position for most of his tenure with the promotion and was a trusted hand.
Even though Wight never fulfilled the unrealistic expectations of those who expected him to become the next Andre the Giant, he became a well-rounded performer with a great personality and comedic timing. He is undoubtedly a legend in his own right and will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame one day.
#3 CM Punk deserves to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame
Even though he left on unfavorable terms, CM Punk was one of the most popular Superstars in WWE history. He overcame a number of obstacles to form a connection with the audience and establish himself as a legitimate main eventer. Punk was also one of the first independent wrestlers to become a WWE mainstay.
The Chicago native will always be remembered for his incredible feuds with the likes of Jeff Hardy, Chris Jericho and John Cena. The "Pipebomb" is part of wrestling folklore and is proof that -- even in the 21st century -- promos should never be scripted.
While it's unlikely that Punk will have another WWE match, he will make amends with the company down the line and go into the Hall of Fame. The WWE Hall of Fame would be incomplete without CM Punk.
#2 Chris Jericho is one of the all-time greats
With a career spanning over three decades, Chris Jericho is one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time and a shoo-in for the WWE Hall of Fame. Jericho jumped ship from WCW to WWE in 1999 and had a legendary debut, confronting The Rock in an incredible segment.
Over the years, he reinvented himself several times and only got better with age. In fact, Chris Jericho's last major feud with Kevin Owens was one of the best programs of his career and significantly elevated both men. They deserved to have a Universal Championship match in the main event of WrestleMania 33.
During the course of his WWE career, Jericho racked up six world titles and a record nine Intercontinental titles. He also won the Wrestling Observer Newsletter's illustrious "Wrestler of the Year" award in 2008 and 2009.
#1 Bryan Danielson would be welcomed back to WWE with open arms
Arguably the most beloved professional wrestler since Stone Cold Steve Austin, Bryan Danielson had a magnificent WWE career. His feud with The Authority which culminated with him winning the WWE Championship in the main event of WrestleMania 30 will always be fondly remembered.
Danielson had several doubters in WWE due to his size and independent background. However, he proved them wrong on countless occasions and even developed into one of the best promos in the company. The American Dragon's success also played an integral part in Vince McMahon beginning to hire more independent wrestlers.
Danielson left WWE on good terms and still has family members who are associated with the promotion. Once his AEW adventure comes to an end, he will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
