10 Wrestlers WWE Only Signed Because Of AEW
9. Rey Mysterio
It's rather easy to forget that one of the biggest stars ever to captivate a WWE audience was actually a part of the PPV that kick-started all things All Elite.
Teaming with eventual AEW talents Bandido and Rey Fenix in a trios match against The Golden Elite's Kota Ibushi and The Young Bucks in the main event of All In, Rey Mysterio's association with the eventual new big wrestling promotion in town very nearly didn't end with that glorious night back in September 2018.
The masked icon would eventually go on to officially return home to WWE later that month. But it was evident that AEW were interested in continuing their relationship with the most famous luchador ever to fly through the air.
As reported by Dave Meltzer around the time Mysterio was negotiating a new deal with WWE in 2020, after spending a few months working without a deal, AEW were said to have offered the former WWE Champion a deal that equaled WWE's per-match offer.
However, the Sports Entertainment giant being able to boast more dates helped make the concept of sticking with WWE more lucrative for Rey. But had AEW not been sniffing around the legend, would Vince McMahon and co. have been in as much of a rush to tie him down for a further three years?
Either way, Mysterio remained with WWE despite All Elite Wrestling very much keeping the door open for him.