10 Wrestlers WWE Only Signed Because Of AEW

10. Cole Karter

While it'd be fair to admit that the likes of AEW Dark and Dark: Elevation haven't exactly been appointment viewing since their creation in October 2019 and March 2021, respectively, it's clear that Tony Khan's biggest rival has still been keeping an eye on the largely developmental shows over the last few years.

Look no further than the snapping up of one Cole Karter back in March 2022 on the back of the eventual Troy 'Two Times' Donovan appearing on both shows in bouts against All Elite stars such as Lance Archer and even former WWE legend Paul Wight (a.k.a. Big Show) as a sign of the attention WWE were clearly paying to this AEW content.

And while the young Karter's impressive work on the independent scene no doubt also played into WWE's decision to hand him a deal, the rising star being highlighted on AEW's YouTube shows whilst not under All Elite contract was likely the biggest reason the prodigy ended up on the Sports Entertainment radar.

Karter's time in WWE ultimately came to an end (for now) just a few months on, however, with the NXT talent being let go due to a failed drug test before eventually returning to The Land of All Elite and aligning himself with The Factory later in the year.