6 former WWE Superstars who signed with AEW in 2020

Since 2020 began, AEW has been on fire. They have been churning storylines that have been hitting their marks and just providing entertainment for everyone involved. While the COVID-19 may be dictating terms and regulating AEW Dynamite to empty arenas, it still doesn't take away from the fact that some of these stars may prove to be a boon to the company going forward.

With that said, the critics will point that hiring former WWE Superstars in the company is a repeat of what WCW did and are not creating new stars. But there is evidence to suggest that is not the case. The rise of young stars like Sammy Guevara, Darby Allin, and MJF seems to deter that claim.

Moreover, Chris Jericho has stated in several interviews that his goal as one of the top guys was to get the younger talent over as he has done that with guys like Jungle Boy. It's a means to an end, and a good wrestler is always an asset, irrespective of the last company they worked for.

In 2020, AEW will be looking to build on the latest additions to their roster and boost more stars in the process. Here are six former WWE Superstars who signed with AEW in 2020.

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#6 Colt Cabana

Mr. Boom Boom himself (Image courtesy: AEW)

Colt Cabana's reputation has more to do with his exploits outside WWE than his time with the company. But truth be told, he was with the WWE for a couple of years before he was released. In a sense, Cabana's more significant contribution to pro wrestling was his ability to be involved with self-promotion.

This involved Cabana wrestling for various promotions and also conducting interviews on his podcast. Cabana has years of experience and brings a lot to the table. These thoughts were also echoed by Tony Khan when he debuted at AEW Revolution. He said:

"I could see Colt wrestling for us on a regular basis. He can chip in as a commentator and also as a coach. He's a valuable mind. He's signed here. He can work, at my discretion, Colt can work other places."

It'll be interesting to see how Cabana's time will be utilized in AEW going forward.

#5 Taz

The Human Suplex Machine is back in the saddle (Image courtesy: AEW)

Taz's years in the business are not in doubt. The ECW Original has done for pro wrestling over the years and is one of the few wrestlers to become a legitimate broadcaster in his later years. With that said, Taz hadn't been involved in pro wrestling since leaving TNA/Impact Wrestling in 2015.

Taz's years of experience will serve him well within the company. He has already done great whenever he's been on AEW Dark or Dynamite, working as back up for other commentators. Like Jim Ross and Tony Schiavone, Taz brings the air of legitimacy to AEW with his skill. Moreover, the knowledge he can impart to the AEW locker room will also be helpful.

On the AEW Unrestricted podcast, Taz has said that he has enjoyed his time so far with the company and believes that the right people are in place in AEW. He said: (H/T Cageside Seats)

"I think here it’s the right people...it’s fun here. It should be fun, but there’s got to be accountability. And I do think that happens here...It’s got to be fun, but it’s work too. It’s business. We got to make money. We got to get s**t over."

Taz's comments reflect his optimism for the future of AEW. It'll be interesting to see how a prominent role Taz in the weeks to come.

#4 Lance Archer

The Murderhawk Monster (Image courtesy: AEW)

One of the 'biggest' signings in 2020 for AEW, the 6′ 8″ 'Hoff,' Lance Archer has proven to be a bonus signing for AEW. It should be noted that Archer's time in WWE was a short one. He was billed as Vance Archer when he made his actual debut with the company.

While he did have stints in TNA/Impact Wrestling, his work in NJPW is perhaps what got him accolades all across the world. He would become a 3-Time IWGP Tag Team Champion with Davey Boy Smith Jr. and the IWGP United States Champion.

With his arrival in AEW and Jake The Snake Roberts as his manager, Archer is set to have a devastating run, given his last couple of matches. His debut against Marko Stunt was an exhibition in sheer brutality that played up his extraordinary power and added more to his character.

Archer is currently in the AEW TNT Tournament, and it wouldn't be presumptuous to assume that he won't meet Cody Rhodes in the finals.

#3 Brodie Lee

The student has become the master (Image courtesy: AEW)

It should be apparent that Brodie Lee f.k.a. Luke Harper was rumored to be headed to AEW after he was finally released from WWE. Lee finally debuted for the company, and while it was an empty arena, it didn't make his appearance any less satisfying.

Lee had many reasons for leaving WWE. One of the core issues was the way he was being used in the company. He also said that his creative ideas were never taken seriously, and Vince McMahon would continuously turn them down.

In an interview with Chris Jericho, he revealed that the company was still trying to re-sign him till the day he left. He said:

"My wife was like, 'Ok, we take this money and in six months, you're doing nothing. And you're going to be crazy. "

Brodie Lee wanted something more and thus began his path towards AEW. So far, the promos Lee cut as The Exalted One has been good, though some criticize them for lampooning Vince McMahon himself.

It'll be interesting to see how his character evolves in the coming weeks.

#2 Matt Hardy

The Broken One is All Delete (Image courtesy: AEW)

Matt Hardy's arrival in AEW was a foregone conclusion as it was rumored for a while. While he debuted in an empty arena, the debut played well with audiences at home. His face-off with Chris Jericho was fantastic though some part of the segment was criticized for its creative choices.

With that said, Hardy had reached the end of his rope with WWE. He felt that he only had 3-4 years left as a performer and wants to enjoy it. He said:

"They tried very hard to sign me. They have offered very good money, but I know my role would have been minimized. For me, more important than money right now, I like to totally utilize my creativity. And these last 3, 4 years I have to do this, I want to enjoy it."

Now that Hardy is in AEW, he seems to be looking forward to his time in the company. He has challenged Chris Jericho to a match called The Elite Deletion, and it will mark AEW's foray into the 'cinematic' match.

#1 Jake The Snake Roberts

A legit legend forever (Image courtesy: AEW)

A WWE legend and a wordsmith that has stood the test of time, Jake 'The Snake' Roberts has been to hell and back to stand before AEW audiences and cut promos.

Most wrestling fans are aware of Robert's battles with drugs and alcohol, but thanks to people like DDP, he crossed that threshold and has been sober ever since. Since he arrived in AEW, he has been cutting fantastic promos and acting as a manager for Lance Archer.

Jake Roberts revealed in an interview that he signed with AEW that it was Tony Khan who brought him in. He said:

"He's the one that initiated the "let's get him." I did the little card-dealing gimmick I did for them [at Double Or Nothing], that was just a nice thing to do, where I dealt the cards out for that thing they were doing. But then to get invited to do this angle [with Lance Archer and Cody Rhodes) was much bigger. It's going to be huge. We haven't really started it yet. It's yet to blossom into what it's going to be. We're going to do some more stuff this week."

It's unclear how long Jake's deal is with AEW or if it's a proper contract. But considering he has been on AEW Dynamite regularly since he cut the promo on Cody Rhodes, it's probably fair to say that it should be a lengthy time.