10 Wrestlers Who NEED Out Of AEW
Don't go away mad, just go away. These AEW stars either need a break or a WWE jump!
Tony Khan's All Elite Wrestling was once a haven for wrestlers sick of restrictive WWE life and seeking something new. In many ways, AEW still has plenty to offer. The schedule is less intense, the money is good, and creative freedom is there. That's why greats like Adam Copeland made the leap - he fancied doing his own thing and just having some fun without sacrificing cold, hard cash.
Fair enough, but the rules have changed. Triple H's WWE is very different to Vince McMahon's behind the scenes, and momentum has been swinging Hunter's way for a while. Now, rather than heading in the right direction with swagger and fan goodwill, Khan has started to find things real challenging.
His roster is bloated, some of them are unhappy, and programming is an up and down mess that's visibly booked last-minute. You'd have been right to suggest countless wrestlers looked at AEW as the place to be in 2019 and for a few years after that, but not in 2024.
There are loads of workers who could do with a break from AEW or a change of scenery. That either means a jump to WWE for the first time, or a return "home" like CM Punk and Cody Rhodes.
One thing's clear: They need to get out before anymore damage is done...
10. Thunder Rosa
Thunder Rosa would be a fantastic addition to WWE's female roster. She'd work well on Raw, SmackDown or NXT, and brings experience with a neat sprinkle of hard-headedness. That's far from a bad thing. Rosa is passionate, and wants to contribute. Sadly, her AEW career is all over the bloody place.
Ignore backstage politics and disagreements for a second. On screen, Thunder flits between being presented as someone big time who's a threat to everyone/should be winning titles with ease and...a background figure who can't handle business on her own. It's jarring, erratic and is doing nothing for her career.
Make it stop.
The former Women's Champ has been with AEW since 2020, but hasn't come close to fulfilling her potential with Tony Khan's league. Does she take some of the blame for that? Sure, although finding space to grow as a performer and show off your skills on a roster this bloated is akin to squeezing onto a packed train and looking for a seat.