7 Released WWE Superstars who could go to AEW

Karan
An unfortunate turn of events (Pic Source: WWE)
An unfortunate turn of events (Pic Source: WWE)

It's true that the effects of the COVID-19 were finally felt in the WWE Universe. Several WWE Superstars were released from the company following budget cuts. In the time of the unmitigated crisis, WWE was not immune to the ongoing issues that are now prevalent across the world.

With that said, when one door closes, another opens. While AEW has made clear in the past that they're not interested in signing every former WWE Superstar, nothing is stopping them from grabbing a few wrestlers that could propel their business going forward.

While it's unclear how the pandemic will affect AEW's business operations, there is a possibility that these WWE Superstars could be on their way to AEW. It may not be right away, but it might be so in the future.

With that said, here are seven released WWE Superstars who could be hired by AEW.


#7 Sarah Logan

Logan could be someone to reckon with (Pic Source: WWE)
Logan could be someone to reckon with (Pic Source: WWE)

If there is one thing that AEW has been lacking, it's more prominent female talent on their roster. Several critics have pointed this out to AEW and it would make sense to hire talent that is experienced and well known in pro wrestling circles.

Having been part of The Riott Squad, Sarah Logan may not be the first person that anyone would think of, but she is a durable talent that could be worthwhile to the organization if things go according to plan.

She was recently seen on the April 13th episode of WWE RAW, where she competed for a spot in the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder match against Shayna Bazler. She lost that match due to referee stoppage.

While things are still in flux, AEW might want to add some more experience to their growing roster.

#6 and #5 Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson

Down but not out (Pic Source: WWE)
Down but not out (Pic Source: WWE)

While it's quite interesting that both Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson were part of the now-famous Boneyard Match at WrestleMania 36 attacking The Undertaker on behalf of AJ Styles, they now see themselves being released from WWE.

Moreover, it was reported last year that the duo re-signed with the company to five-year deals. It's surprising, but while it's unfortunate, there is some precedence that they could go to AEW.

Both men were in the Bullet Club in NJPW alongside Styles and The Young Bucks. It's not wrong that those pre-existing relationships could turn into real opportunities within AEW.

Like The Revival, Gallows and Anderson offer an old-school hard-hitting style that would serve AEW well and offer the variety that is possibly lacking with the daredevil styles of The Lucha Bros, Private Party, and SCU.

Throw in the Bullet Club connection, and there is a significant possibility that they are added to the company and it would make sense in the long run if everything comes to pass.

#4 Erick Rowan

Rowan has to come into the conversation (Pic Source: WWE)
Rowan has to come into the conversation (Pic Source: WWE)

Another surprising release is that of Erick Rowan. Apart from Bray Wyatt and Braun Strowman, Rowan had a considerable amount of TV time. Whether it was part of the Daniel Bryan and Roman Reigns storyline or the critically derided spider reveal, Rowan was always on television.

Of course, one of the main reasons he made this list is the apparent connection to Brodie Lee. In an interview with Chris Jericho, Lee recalled that he initially hated his former Tag Team partner. He said:

"We roomed together, we tagged together and we were literally constantly together. And he snores more than any men I met in my life."

The two became good friends over time, and now, there is a possibility that they could be reunited in the AEW. To be clear, this is not necessarily going to happen, but there is a possibility that it could come to fruition.

An Erick Rowan in the Dark Order to add to its numbers? Anything is possible in pro wrestling.

#3 Lio Rush

The matches who could have would off the charts (Pic Source: WWE)
The matches who could have would off the charts (Pic Source: WWE)

A surprising release, but these are unprecedented times. With that said, there is an opportunity for AEW to take a talent like Lio Rush, who has everything going for him. He has charisma, in-ring ability as well as excellent mic skills that came to the forefront when he served as Bobby Lashley's manager.

It suffices to say that Rush had a lot of success during his time in WWE. He was an NXT Cruiserweight Champion, where he held the title for 63 days before losing it to Angel Garza. With that said, AEW actually might be an actual place where he could have a significant role to play.

He already has a readymade feud with Joey Janela as both wrestlers faced off in Combat Zone Wrestling that is still well regarded in the independent scene. Moreover, he could have great matches with several stars like Darby Allin, Sammy Guevara, Jungle Boy, and even Kenny Omega.

While it's not entirely clear that this will happen, it's not out of the realm of possibility.

#2 EC3

This one seems to be the closet bet (Pic Source: WWE)
This one seems to be the closet bet (Pic Source: WWE)

The release of EC3 was surprising, but since September last year, he was dealing with a concussion and had been on the injury list. But if there were one star who seemed to be AEW bound, it would have been him.

Chris Jericho posted a picture of himself with EC3 on his Instagram account and hinted that there are "big things coming in the future for this talented brother." EC3's time in WWE has been one that seemed to be the right place for him. His time in NXT was auspicious, and his move to the main roster was one that looked like a no-brainer.

But in time, it seemed that he lost favor with WWE management and was no longer pushed as a formidable force. In fact, he was relegated to the 24/7 scene before his untimely injury in September 2019.

The possibility of him going to AEW when its all said and done remains high. It may not happen right away, but his talent is undeniable and he needs the right platform to excel. Wrestling fans will soon find out in the weeks to come.

#1 Rusev

Someone who might do better in another place (Pic Source: WWE)
Someone who might do better in another place (Pic Source: WWE)

In an unexpected move, Rusev was also added to the list of names that WWE released. The Bulgarian Brute was in the more remarkable and infamous storylines with Bobby Lashley and Lana.

It was not clear whether Rusev even signed a new WWE contract, but the news will probably be surprising to some in the WWE Universe. With that said, AEW could be the right place for a man of Rusev's talents.

He has proven that he has the charisma and has a fan base that is dedicated. Moreover, they wished that the company had put the world title on him. It's interesting to note that Rusev was a three-time WWE United States Champion but didn't win any other title in the company.

AEW has several wrestlers that could have great matches with Rusev, with stars like Lance Archer, Brodie Lee, and Luchasaurus all being enticing options. Rusev is a brute of a man who has immersive power and athletic ability to move with the very best. Perhaps, AEW may be the place for him.

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