5 under-utilized AEW stars who could head to WWE

With so many talented wrestlers under the AEW umbrella, it stands to reason that not everyone will get enough screen time. Certain stars are more of a priority than others, especially if they are among the top stars in the company.

While WWE is often criticized for not pushing every deserving star, the young promotion, along with other promotions, has the same issue. With over 40-50 performers, some will get left in the dust.

Major wrestling promotions, including the big ones, usually push the same five or six stars. Brock Lesnar returned last summer and has already won a Royal Rumble. He has also won the WWE title twice in 2022.

Tony Khan's promotion is still relatively young in terms of longevity, but it is already among the top companies in the world. The promotion has some of the most talented stars in the business but struggles to push everyone.

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#5 on our list of five underutilized AEW stars that could be looking to move on to WWE or another promotion - Abadon

AEW doesn't have a plethora of defined characters. The promotion prioritizes in-ring skills over character work. While there are the likes of Orange Cassidy and Malakai Black, most "gimmicks" are just extensions of personality in the women's division.

Abadon is a rare case of an actual character in pro wrestling. She might seem like Rosemary, or Alexa Bliss turned up to 100, but she parlays that into a workable presentation.

She hasn't been used consistently on Dynamite during her tenure in AEW. Instead, Abadon shows up on Dark or Elevation. Her character would fit better in IMPACT Wrestling or NXT 2.0. Parts of her character could be toned down if she signs with WWE.

The NXT 2.0 reboot is more about characters and integrating them into wrestling. Abadon would already be one of the more intriguing characters if she pursued work in WWE or elsewhere.

The reboot recently did away with Mei Ying, one of its supernatural characters. Adding a performer like Abadon would turn the division on its head. It could also be something completely different from what has already been presented in the reboot.

#4 Kip Sabian started in AEW but would be perfect for NXT UK.

Kip Sabian has the distinction of competing in the first match for AEW. He battled Sammy Guevara in the opening contest of Double or Nothing in 2019. His tenure is probably best remembered for his feud over an arcade game.

While gaming is fine and dandy, it was a silly premise for a wrestling feud. Sabian has primarily been used as an enhancement talent despite his athletic skills. NXT UK needs new blood, and Sabian would be perfect.

After suffering an injury, Sabian hasn't been on TV for almost a year. In that time, the roster has grown with Adam Cole, Bryan Danielson, CM Punk, Andrade El Idolo, Keith Lee, and others. His best bet might be to move on to NXT UK if WWE is interested.

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#3 The Bunny is one of the few women in AEW that has played multiple characters.

When AEW first started up a few years ago, The Bunny, AKA Allie, was probably the most recognizable female star. She was fresh off a successful run in IMPACT Wrestling.

Allie started as a bubbly babyface similar to her character in IMPACT. Once her real-life husband, the Blade, debuted, she portrayed the Bunny. Since then, she's been a heel and used as a stepping stone for other women.

Her most memorable match was the recent 'No DQ' match alongside Penelope Ford against Tay Conti and Anna Jay. She and Ford lost in a bloody fight. After an encounter last week, the Bunny will face Jade Cargill for the TBS Championship. Her chances of beating Cargill aren't very high.

Allie is still one of the few performers in the industry that can work multiple personas while maintaining a solid in-ring game. That's something that is still needed in WWE and, in particular, NXT 2.0.

#2 Jaime Hayter plays second fiddle to Britt Baker in AEW.

Similar to Sabian, AEW's Jamie Hayter would be a perfect fit for NXT UK. The latter brand needs viable challengers for their Women's title. Wrestling Legend Meiko Satamura is the current Champion and she deserves worthy opponents.

Since her return to the promotion, Hayter has primarily been used as a lackey for Britt Baker, resembling how Wardlow is used for MJF. There was some tension teased recently between Hayter and Baker but they ended up turning on Mercedes Martinez instead.

The British Superstar is still in her 20s and has loads of experience. If she doesn't advance beyond being a lackey for Baker, she could look to work in WWE or elsewhere.

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#1 Brian Cage hasn't been on AEW TV for months.

Cage has not been seen on AEW programs for several months. His last usage was in his feud with Team Taz. He started as the prize piece but was kicked out of the faction.

During his run in the promotion, he's taken care of the stars that are lower on the food chain. When it comes to big challenges, however, he hasn't been booked as a top threat. He lost to Jon Moxley as well as to Darby Allin and Sting.

Understandably, Cage might be unhappy with his spot in AEW. He's a physical specimen that can perform both power moves and high-flying spots. If he is disappointed, he could move on to WWE if they decide to sign him.