Every Wrestler Who Has Jumped From WWE To AEW (& Vice Versa)

Spoiler alert: A lot of wrestlers have jumped from WWE to AEW and from All Elite back to the E since Tony Khan launched his own would-be competitor in early-2019. At first, it looked like Khan would be really choosy about which former WWE workers he picked from, but that changed and the floodgates opened within just a few years. Naturally, AEW managed to shine up some fresh faces enough to pique interest from elsewhere too.

That was always going to happen, but it means some wrestlers featured here do star on the listings twice. AEW has been around long enough that some who initially leapt away from Vince McMahon's toxic environment have since jumped back the other way now Triple H is running the ship. It's important to note that even those with lengthy gaps between WWE work and signing with AEW are included for the sake of completion.

Otherwise, things would get rather messy. It's best to keep things relatively simple when dealing with so many workers!

A few of the smaller names only popped up in WWE's developmental system, but they were also brought along to keep things as exhaustive as possible. Hey, they worked under McMahon/Hunter and had contracts, so they deserve to be here too. It's interesting to see who moved where and analyse what was going on in the wrestling world at that time.

This page will also be updated as and when others jump between WWE and AEW, so keep checking back for the latest leaps between both major promotions. You'll see a lot of them mentioned in the latest breaking WWE news and AEW news, but this article collates everything in one place.

WWE To AEW

2.0

Left WWE: 25 June 2021 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 4 August 2021

Angelo Parker and Matt Menard were called Ever-Rise on NXT, but both were let go from WWE's system in late-June 2021. The beauty of AEW is that it represents another place wrestlers can go to for full-time work. That's exactly what the soon-to-be renamed 2.0 did mere months after leaving WWE - they inked AEW deals in August 2021.

Both became stablemates under Chris Jericho's JAS idea, but things have been less consistent individually. Parker's romance with Ruby Soho fell flat (whilst blossoming for real off-screen), whereas Menard did find some success as a colour commentator on Rampage.

Adam Cole

Left WWE: 10 August 2021

Jumped To AEW: 5 September 2021

The rumour mill suggests that Vince McMahon wanted to rename Cole, cut his hair and turn him into a manager on WWE's main roster before he left in August 2021. Adam's final appearance for the company came on the 10 August edition of NXT. He debuted shortly after that as part of a quick one-two punch alongside Bryan Danielson at All Out 2021 on 5 September.

AEW life hasn't always been top tier for Cole, but it's probably better than...whatever McMahon had planned.

Andrade

Left WWE: 21 March 2021 (Mutual Consent)

Jumped To AEW: 4 June 2021

Andrade was the one who initially requested his WWE release. The company acquiesced and had released him by 21 March 2021. 'El Idolo' showed face in AEW by debuting on the 4 June 2021 episode of flagship show Dynamite. He's since returned to WWE though, so you'll see the handsome devil pop back up in the 'AEW To WWE' section further down.

Like many, Andrade never really got going in All Elite. He had some scorching matches, but none of his storylines particularly stood out or got fans invested.

AQA

Left WWE: 4 November 2021 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: February 2022

You'd be forgiven for not remembering much about AQA. She was part of WWE's NXT system up until 4 November 2021. After being released, AQA drummed up interest behind the scenes in AEW and eventually signed with the company in February 2022. Unfortunately, she decided to step away from wrestling in July for personal reasons.

AQA hasn't been spotted since. Her last match came vs. Athena on an independent card in late-June 2022. Before that, her final All Elite bow was a win over Avery Breaux; that bout was taped on 11 June for AEW Dark, but it didn't actually air until July.

Athena

Left WWE: 4 November 2021 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 29 May 2022

The then-Ember Moon was a slightly surprising release when WWE cut her loose on 4 November 2021. She didn't muck around, and later showed up as Athena at AEW's Double Or Nothing pay-per-view on 29 May 2022. It initially looked like Athena would become a focal point of All Elite's entire women's division, but she's become more of an ongoing concern on feeder brand ROH ever since.

Some fans have expressed unhappiness about that. They believe Athena could contribute far more on mainline AEW programming.

Ariya Daivari

Left WWE: June 2022 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: June 2022

Poor Ariya Daivari has been bounced around. WWE released him on 25 June 2021. Then, he debuted in AEW on the 12 November 2021 episode of Rampage. Then, he was rehired as a WWE producer in 2022. As if that back and forth wasn't enough, Daivari was released again just a few short months later. He's since returned to AEW once more, but is another who litters ROH broadcasts more than Dynamite, Collision or AEW pay-per-views.

Big Bill

Left WWE: 19 June 2018 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 4 May 2022

It's worth noting that Big Bill spent a sizeable chunk of time in Impact/TNA before moving to AEW. The man mountain managed to get his personal life in order during that time, which was certainly welcome news after reports of his addiction issues blighted the final year or so of his WWE run.

At one point, Big Cass looked like he could rocket up the WWE card towards main event status, but he's become a positive part of AEW programming. The man's personal happiness is definitely paramount.

Billy Gunn

Left WWE: January 2019 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: January 2019

WWE legend Billy Gunn was one of the first people to toss his name in the hat and believe in Tony Khan's vision for AEW. The New Age Outlaws man was appearing as an ambassador for WWE right up until being inducted into the Hall Of Fame with D-Generation X in 2019. Here's the thing: He had already jumped to AEW and signed on as a coach in January of that year.

Triple H's "pissant company" line during the HOF reportedly didn't sit well with Billy. His work as part of The Acclaimed could be considered a highlight of AEW's product up until recently.

Bobby Fish

Left WWE: 6 August 2021 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 6 October 2021

Crickets. No, that's harsh!

Bobby Fish was one of the most over acts on WWE's NXT brand as part of The Undisputed Era, but things fizzled out once Adam Cole left the company. Fish followed suit on 6 August 2021, then debuted on AEW's 6 October 2021 episode of Dynamite. Being brutally honest, Bobby didn't ever really do much of note in All Elite, and he was gone by August 2022.

A meme-worthy debut in Impact/TNA followed after that, but such painful crowd silence shouldn't define Fish's entire career. He was a skilled worker in his prime.

Bobby Lashley

Left WWE: 16 August 2024 (Contract Expiry)

Jumped To AEW: September 2024 (Debuted 30 October)

A lot of heads were turned when news spread that WWE let Bobby Lashley's contract expire in August 2024. The former WWE Champion didn't hang around waiting for Triple H to make his mind up. He leapt over to AEW and signed with Tony Khan's group in September, then eventually debuted on-screen as part of a revived Hurt Syndicate (known as Hurt Business in WWE) on 30 October.

Being brutally honest, this probably isn't the end of Lashley's story with WWE. AEW could be a layover for him more than anything, but who knows?

Brodie Lee

Left WWE: December 2019 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 18 March 2020

Brodie Lee's story is a tragic one.

WWE released the ex-Wyatt Family member and Bludgeon Bro from his contract in December 2019. He then debuted on the 18 March 2020 episode of AEW Dynamite amidst much fanfare, and the dude genuinely looked like he was enjoying himself outside Vince McMahon's system. That's when tragedy struck.

Brodie sadly passed away from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis on 26 December 2020. The entire pro wrestling community still mourns him, and the industry has come together several times to celebrate his life and help out his family.

Bryan Danielson

Left WWE: 4 May 2021 (Contract Expiry)

Jumped To AEW: 5 September 2021

It seemed like Daniel Bryan fancied spreading his wings with some different styles of wrestling he'd yearned to do outside WWE's walls long before he actually left. Bryan Danielson let his WWE deal lapse on 4 May 2021, then debuted in AEW at All Out on 5 September that year. Memorably, Adam Cole debuted in the company the exact same night.

Bryan's final WWE match came vs. Roman Reigns on the 30 April 2021 SmackDown. Typically for Danielson, he left it all in the ring that night and bowed out with his head held high.

Buddy Matthews

Left WWE: 2 June 2021 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 23 February 2022

WWE half-heartedly pushed Buddy Murphy as a singles babyface then as part of a unit alongside 'Messiah' Seth Rollins before he was released on 2 June 2021. An entire summer and winter passed before the renamed Buddy Matthews rocked up to All Elite Wrestling with a point to prove. He debuted on the 23 February 2022 Dynamite, and he hasn't looked back.

Becoming part of Malakai Black's House Of Black stable was a neat spot for Buddy, but rumours of a WWE return will always persist due to his ties to Rhea Ripley.

Chris Jericho

Left WWE: May 2018 (Mutual Consent)

Jumped To AEW: January 2019

This is a weird one, because Chris Jericho technically jumped off the WWE train to help jumpstart AEW. His last WWE match was the so-called Greatest Royal Rumble in May 2018 over in Saudi Arabia. A few sporadic cameo appearances followed after that, and so did some work in New Japan. Then, Jericho showed up at AEW’s first press conference in January 2019, and the rest is history.

Fans adored Jericho back then, but their adulation has soured in more recent times. Jericho inarguably has 'go away' heat in 2025, so one last nostalgic whirl in WWE might be on the cards someday.

Christian Cage

Left WWE: January 2021 (Contract Expiry)

Jumped To AEW: 7 March 2021

It was heartwarming to see Edge and Christian share a moment together on WWE TV before either left the promotion. Almost unthinkably, both are now #AllElite. Christian Cage left WWE behind after the 2021 Royal Rumble, then quickly showed up in AEW at Revolution on 7 March. The group rightly made a big song and dance about locking him down to a multi-year deal heading into that PPV.

Wrestling fans were just happy to see Cage doing his thing again, and he's been one of the better aspects of AEW's product ever since.

CJ Perry

Left WWE: 2 June 2021 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 3 September 2023

WWE gave up on trying to turn Lana into an accomplished in-ring worker and released her on 2 June 2021. That was over a full year after her then-husband Rusev/Miro had departed. CJ Perry didn't really do anything to speak of in wrestling again until leaping to AEW and debuting at All Out on 3 September 2023.

Anyone hoping she'd rekindle the successful on-screen partnership with Miro there would be left disappointed. CJ officially announced she'd left the company in July 2024 after being off-screen since late-2023.

Claudio Castagnoli

Left WWE: 24 February 2022 (Contract Expiry)

Jumped To AEW: 26 June 2022

Technical wizard Cesaro let his WWE contract tick down until expiry on 24 February 2022. Like Bryan Danielson, he craved a little more freedom to work the kind of wrestling matches he fancied working. AEW could offer that, so it was no shocker when Claudio Castagnoli debuted at All Elite's Forbidden Door pay-per-view on 26 June 2022.

He's been a member of both the Blackpool Combat Club and The Death Riders alongside the likes of Jon Moxley, Wheeler Yuta and others.

CM Punk

Left WWE: 2020 (Mutual Consent)

Jumped To AEW: 20 August 2021

Well, where to start?!

Technically, CM Punk left WWE in 2014. He'd return to raise some eyebrows as part of the Backstage cast in 2019, then left again in 2020 once that show was cancelled. Punk's deal was with FOX, not actually WWE, but he was still on company programming for the first time in years regardless.

He signed with AEW and debuted on 20 August 2021, but countless backstage issues with The Elite, Jack Perry and others sent Punk tumbling out of the promotion by 2023. He's since hopped back into the WWE nest, so he's another who'll be on the AEW > WWE portion too.

Cody Rhodes

Left WWE: 22 May 2016 (Mutual Consent)

Jumped To AEW: January 2019

Cody Rhodes was sick and tired of the cartoonish Stardust character long before leaving WWE in 2016. He was the one who requested his release, and bosses didn't stand in his way. Cody re-energised himself on the independent scene and in groups like New Japan and Impact/TNA before becoming one of the leading lights paving the way for AEW.

His excitement during a January 2019 press conference was clear for all to see. Nobody knew then that they were looking at WWE's future top babyface.

Cope

Left WWE: 30 September 2023 (Contract Expiry)

Jumped To AEW: 1 October 2023

Similarly, nobody knew Edge would be a fleeting concern when he wrestled his last WWE match vs. Sheamus on the 18 August 2023 episode of SmackDown. The legend's deal expired on 30 September, but some believed he'd be back in time for WrestleMania season. Nope. Or should that be Cope?

Adam Copeland debuted on 1 October 2023 at AEW's WrestleDream show. Later, he shortened his ring name to Cope, and has become a staunch defender of Tony Khan's company. Who honestly saw any of this coming?

Dustin Rhodes

Left WWE: 28 March 2019 (Mutual Consent)

Jumped To AEW: 20 April 2019

Leaving the WWE nest was nothing new for Dustin Rhodes when he asked for his latest release and left the company on 28 March 2019. He's been there, done that on the 'former WWE superstar' front, but this was different. This was personal. Dustin wanted to hit up AEW and wrestle his brother Cody at the first Double Or Nothing PPV.

He was announced for that show on 20 April 2019, which gave fans ample time to start getting excited about what turned out to be a modern classic.

Grizzled Young Veterans

Left WWE: 14 October 2023 (Mutual Consent)

Jumped To AEW: April 2024

James Drake and Zack Gibson left WWE on 14 October 2023. The UK pair spent a cup of coffee on the indy scene and in TNA before signing with AEW and debuting on the 27 April 2024 Collision. Being totally honest, they've yet to make their presence felt to any large degree, which is a pity when one considers how talented they are as a throwback tag-team.

Perhaps both are still recovering from the dire Schism creative WWE chiefs put them through on NXT, eh?

Jake Atlas

Left WWE: 6 August 2021 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: January 2022

WWE released promising prospect Jake Atlas on 6 August 2021. He popped up in ROH (pre-Tony Khan ownership), then worked a match or two in AEW at the tail end of 2021 into the start of 2022. Those praying Atlas would thrive outside the restrictive, Vince McMahon-led WWE would be left gutted by what happened next.

AEW released Jake due to a domestic violence arrest in May 2022. He hasn't worked a match since losing to Adam Cole on the 7 January 2022 edition of old 'B'/'C' show Rampage.

Jake Hager

Left WWE: 13 March 2017 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 2 October 2019

Like Big Bill, one Jake Hager spent a few years between major promotional gigs after leaving WWE and his Jack Swagger character behind. Hager was released by the E on 13 March 2017. He mulled around the indy scene and did some MMA stuff before debuting as a Chris Jericho ally during the debut edition of Dynamite on 2 October 2019.

Jake has since let his AEW contract expire and left the promotion in May 2024. He's had some less than favourable things to say about his time there, and about Tony Khan as a boss.

Jeff Hardy

Left WWE: December 2021 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 9 March 2022

Some Hardy Boys lifers will be thrilled to see Jeff back in WWE's system by way of association via TNA. Hardy's AEW run was certainly less than stellar. He was released from his WWE contract in December 2021 after reportedly walking out on a house show tag match. Jeff then signed with AEW and debuted on the 9 March 2022 Dynamite.

Post-debut, his run there was ultimately forgettable. At one point, Jeff was openly critical of the fact he was booked more on Rampage than Dynamite.

Jeff Jarrett

Left WWE: August 2022 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 2 November 2022

Evergreen legend Jeff Jarrett left his role as occasional WWE cameo artist and Senior Vice President of Live Events in August 2022. That had been Vince McMahon's call, and Triple H fancied putting one of his own men in that spot. So, it was back to the drawing board for old J-E-Double-F.

He debuted for AEW on the 2 November 2022 Dynamite. Some rolled their eyes at this move, but it turned out to be an inspired one. Jarrett has contributed to the product during his time in All Elite.

Johnny TV

Left WWE: 18 November 2021 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 18 May 2022

Much of John Morrison's latest hurrah in WWE cast him as comedy relief alongside The Miz. He was let go due to budget cuts on 18 November 2021. Morrison spent some time in AAA and on the indy circuit before debuting for AEW on the 18 May 2022 edition of Dynamite.

At first, he was Johnny Elite, but now he's Johnny TV. That, regrettably, reminds everyone of the horrible QTV content that tanked on AEW telly for a while.

Jon Moxley

Left WWE: 30 April 2019 (Contract Expiry)

Jumped To AEW: 25 May 2019

Former Shield member Dean Ambrose was pig sick of WWE life by the time his contract ticked down in late-April 2019. He couldn't wait to break free and do something else for a while. That contract expiry coincided with something special: AEW's very first Double Or Nothing pay-per-view on 25 May 2019.

A rejuvenated Jon Moxley was able to show up there and give the industry a much-needed shake. Four AEW World Title reigns have followed for the man.

Keith Lee

Left WWE: 4 November 2021 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 9 February 2022

Some folks wondered if WWE knowingly wrecked Keith Lee's momentum upon calling him up to the main roster following a tidy run on NXT. 'Bearcat' Keith Lee was a bit rubbish, and it's probably no wonder he was gone by 4 November 2021. After that nightmare, Lee couldn't wait to sign on the dotted line with AEW and debut.

He'd do so on 9 February. Dynamite burst into life with a beaming Keith, and the big powerhouse didn't disappoint. Sadly, various health issues have destroyed his chances of becoming something more in All Elite.

Kyle O’Reilly

Left WWE: 10 December 2021 (Contract Expiry)

Jumped To AEW: 22 December 2021

Workhorse Kyle O'Reilly is someone who has battled through health problems of his own. His WWE deal ran out on 10 December 2021, and it was Kyle who elected not to negotiate a renewal. In truth, he probs fancied joining pals like Adam Cole over on the AEW side. That happened when O'Reilly inked a contract and showed up on 22 December.

What a quick turnaround that was.

Malakai Black

Left WWE: 2 June 2021 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 7 July 2021

There were surprised looks all round when WWE let Aleister Black out into the wild after releasing him on 2 June 2021. After all, Black had been a celebrated name on the NXT brand, and it seemed certain the McMahon family wouldn't want Tony Khan to get his hands on somebody so skilled. So much for that thinking.

Black (renamed Malakai) debuted in AEW on the 7 July 2021 Dynamite. His contract with Khan's group has since expired on 10 February 2025, so there's a chance he's WWE bound to put things right under Triple H. Watch this space.

Marina Shafir

Left WWE: 25 June 2021 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 14 December 2021

WWE gave up on Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler's pal Marina Shafir in late-June 2021. She was let go from her contract, which freed Marina up to talk terms with AEW and debut by 14 December. One tragically poor promo followed, then Shafir started to find her groove on lower tier programming like Rampage.

Jon Moxley handpicked her as a key part of his Death Riders stable, which means Marina has a guaranteed weekly spot on AEW programming. That's a noticeable step up from what she was doing previously, in WWE and on AEW TV.

Mark Henry

Left WWE: 4 January 2021 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 30 May 2021

Truthfully, Mark Henry's AEW run never really got going or offered much of any tangible value. He made his last appearance on WWE television during the 4 January 2021 "Legends Night" episode of Raw, then debuted for All Elite at Double Or Nothing 2021. Mark was never going to be a full-timer between the ropes.

He was there as a commentator, but even that fell through. Eventually, Henry could only be seen in nothing hype segments before select main events on Rampage. His AEW deal ran out in May 2024.

Matt Hardy

Left WWE: 2 March 2020 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 18 March 2020

Currently, Matt Hardy is riding high again alongside his brother Jeff in TNA and in select WWE spots. It's been some journey for the former 'Broken' star. He left WWE on 2 March 2020, and everybody was talking about his fun debut on the 18 March 2020 AEW Dynamite. The pandemic had just started, so people were stuck at home and social media was abuzz.

That buzz didn't last long, admittedly. Matt is probably back where he belongs.

Mercedes Martinez

Left WWE: 6 August 2021 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 29 December 2021

Veteran Mercedes Martinez did have a spell in Impact/TNA between WWE and AEW, but it was a short one so she pretty much leapt from one major to another. Martinez left WWE on 6 August 2021, then she debuted in AEW on the 29 December 2021 Dynamite. Sadly, there isn't much else to say about what she's been up to since signing.

It is what it is.

Mercedes Mone

Left WWE: December 2022 (Mutual Consent)

Jumped To AEW: 13 March 2024

Sasha Banks officially left WWE after months and months of rumours in December 2022. Some thought she’d eventually return after walking out alongside Naomi (who did return, albeit after a run in TNA) later that year, but the revamped Mercedes Mone worked in New Japan and Stardom before showing up in AEW at All In 2023 then inking a full-time contract.

She debuted properly on the 13 March 2024 Dynamite and was touted as one of Tony Khan's biggest signings yet.

Miro

Left WWE: 15 April 2020 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 9 September 2020

Rusev said enough was enough and he was taking his 'Rusev Day' chat somewhere else. In reality, WWE released the Bulgarian from his contract on 15 April 2020, which shocked a fair few folks. All was quiet on the Rusev front until he debuted as Kip Sabian's "Best Man" on the 9 September 2020 Dynamite.

Miro should've been an incredible AEW success story, but Tony Khan's booking was poor and the wrestler visibly lost interest. He'd only wrestled 11 matches since 2021 by the time he was eventually let go in early 2025.

MxM Collection

Left WWE: 21 September 2023 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 4 July 2024

It's funny how things work out in wrestling. WWE's Maximum Male Models idea was a vehicle to get Mace and Mansoor over, not Max and Maxxine Dupri. Now, Mace and Mansoor are no longer with the company, Max is tearing it up as LA Knight and Maxxine has real potential in her own right. Oops.

(Mace and Mansoor were both released by WWE on 21 September 2023. They debuted on AEW-owned ROH programming on 4 July 2024 and later on Collision on 27 July.

MVP

Left WWE: 16 August 2024 (Contract Expiry)

Jumped To AEW: 25 September 2024

Outspoken veteran MVP's WWE contract expired on 16 August 2024. His last appearance had been months before that managing Omos on a SmackDown Battle Royal before WrestleMania 40, but all was not well between worker and company - that's been shown up by some of Porter's comments about WWE since leaving.

The motormouthed manager debuted in AEW on 25 September 2024, and was quickly followed by Hurt Business/Syndicate mates like Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin. The band is back together in AEW, basically.

Nick Comoroto

Left WWE: April 2020 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: October 2020

Oh yes, big Nick Comoroto was in WWE's system before being released as part of mass cuts in April 2020. He began showing face in AEW by October 2020, but Comoroto has been placed in an enhancement talent/jobber to the stars role by Tony Khan. Granted, that's not the worst position, but he was surely hoping for more.

There's time yet for things to change for the better.

Pac

Left WWE: 24 August 2018 (Mutual Consent)

Jumped To AEW: January 2019

WWE froze Neville's contract in January 2018, then he eventually left on 24 August after a lot of bickering. It was some stand off, and it's important to remember that AEW didn't exist as an alternative platform when Pac effectively told Vince McMahon to shove his contract where the sun don't shine.

Pac was backing himself and sick of being treated poorly. Later, he was announced as one of AEW's very first signings in January 2019. Admittedly, he's been akin to a bit part player in All Elite over the years, but the man always delivers in-ring.

Paul Wight

Left WWE: 4 January 2021 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 24 February 2021

Excitement over Big Show's jump to AEW felt a tad misplaced when he traded the McMahon family for the Khan one in early-2021. Show's last WWE appearance was on the 4 January 2021 Raw (the same one as Mark Henry). Then, he signed with All Elite on 24 February and was touted as a marquee get for Tony.

Fair enough, but some seemed to believe that Paul Wight was going to work in-ring bangers against the likes of Kenny Omega. Wight even tricked himself into thinking he was physically capable of that. In a word, no. He's been an ambassador and occasional commentator at best.

Ricochet

Left WWE: 30 June 2024 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 22 August 2024

Again, one of the best things about AEW's existence is that it gives talent a fresh platform to call their own whilst making some serious bank. Ricochet was written off WWE TV on the 10 June 2024 Raw, then he left the promotion on 30 June. Unsurprisingly, Rico agreed terms with AEW on 22 August 2024 and debuted at All In a few days later.

It was a whirlwind of activity for the high-flyer. He's been striving to show his chops as a heel character outside WWE's bubble. Fans know Ricochet means quality mid-match, but lacklustre promo skills have always been used against him.

Roderick Strong

Left WWE: November 2022 (Contract Expiry)

Jumped To AEW: 26 April 2023

Ex-Undisputed Era man Roderick Strong saw his WWE contract run out in November 2022. No-one thought either side would renegotiate, because it seemed much more realistic that Strong would divert attention over to AEW so he could be reunited with friends like Adam Cole, Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly.

He landed on AEW TV starting with the 26 April 2023 Dynamite.

Ruby Soho

Left WWE: 2 June 2021 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 5 September 2021

Former Riott Squad leader Ruby Soho was considered a cracking signing when Tony Khan watched her put pen to paper on an AEW deal in time for a fun debut at All Out 2021. That debut happened on 5 September, and it remains one of few banner moments for Ruby since becoming #AllElite.

Meanwhile, her former stablemate Liv Morgan has become one of WWE's premier female stars.

Samoa Joe

Left WWE: 6 January 2022 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: April 2022

Charismatic wrestling machine Samoa Joe experienced several releases during his final few years in WWE. The last one came on 6 January 2022, then he popped the house by showing up at ROH Supercard Of Honour XV on 1 April 2022.

Shortly after that, Tony Khan announced Joe had signed with AEW. He's been an excellent addition to the roster over the past three years or so, but someone needs to nail Joe down to a commentary position again once he retires from the ring. He's damn good at it!

Saraya

Left WWE: June/July 2022 (Mutual Consent)

Jumped To AEW: 21 September 2022

Paige's topsy turvy WWE career came to an end when she announced her departure on 10 June 2022, but that didn’t become official until 7 July. Even so, nothing was going to stop a refocused Saraya from debuting in AEW. She was keen to make a splash and return to the ring.

Saraya debuted on 21 September 2022. Her biggest moment undoubtedly came at All In London in 2023. There, she won the AEW Women's Title inside Wembley Stadium. Tears fell. It was a monumental moment for Saraya personally after everything she'd been through.

Shawn Spears

Left WWE: 22 February 2019 (Mutual Consent)

Jumped To AEW: 25 May 2019

The artist formerly known as Tye Dillinger was granted his WWE release on 22 February 2019. After that, he gathered his thoughts and debuted at AEW’s Double Or Nothing 2019. Shawn Spears will pop up again in the AEW > WWE list, because he jumped the other way again in 2024.

Shelton Benjamin

Left WWE: 21 September 2023 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 2 October 2024

Stalwart pro Shelton Benjamin got his latest release from WWE's books on 21 September 2023. That brought the curtain down on any hopes he'd be back in the E for good. Wrestling fans love Shelton's passion, so many just want to see him settled and making money.

Benjamin debuted in AEW alongside Bobby Lashley as part of The Hurt Syndicate on 2 October 2024. He's a credit to every company he works for, to be honest.

Sting

Left WWE: May 2020 (Contract Expiry)

Jumped To AEW: 2 December 2020

WWE should've done everything in their power to keep Sting under lock and key so they could use his likeness in 2K's video games, but AEW fans will be glad they didn't. The ex-WCW and TNA man's WWE contract ended in May 2020. It was a legends deal, for the record.

Nobody quite knew what was coming after that, but the Stinger debuted on the 2 December 2020 edition of AEW Dynamite. A fun-filled run followed before he eventually retired at Revolution 2024. Tony Khan made sure to give the icon a classy exit, and Sting won't forget that anytime soon.

Swerve Strickland

Left WWE: 18 November 2021 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 6 March 2022

Swerve Strickland might well be viewed as one of WWE's biggest misses unless he returns there someday. The ex-Hit Row man was released on 18 November 2021. Some were pleased to see him sign with AEW and debut in early-March 2022, but even the dude's biggest fans wouldn't have been expecting what happened after that.

Swerve became AEW World Champion, and he has cemented himself as one of All Elite's brightest stars. WWE don't get any credit for laying foundations. They tossed Strickland aside like he was yesterday's garbage.

Tay Melo

Left WWE: 20 April 2020 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 4 August 2020

The then-Tay Conti was let go as part of mass WWE budget cuts during a thoroughly painful April 2020. That was an uncertain time for everyone worldwide due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, so it sucked to see people lose their jobs. Conti rallied and had debuted as part of the AEW roster by August.

She's since changed her ring name to Tay Melo, but has taken significant time off on maternity leave. It'd be a lie to say she fulfilled her in-ring potential, but life has been kind to Tay and that's the most important thing.

The Revival

Left WWE: 10 April 2020 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 27 May 2020

Traditional throwback tag-team The Revival were also part of that mass WWE roster cull in April 2020. The timing was obviously awful due to real world events, but the soon-to-be FTR were hardly gutted to be away from Vince McMahon's whims. They debuted in AEW on the 27 May 2020 Dynamite.

Both guys have become loyal foot-soldiers in the All Elite cause in recent years. They're surely grateful to Tony Khan for tossing them a bone during an awful period for the industry.

Toni Storm

Left WWE: 29 December 2021 (Mutual Consent)

Jumped To AEW: 30 March 2022

Toni Storm openly remarked that WWE had started to kill her zest for pro wrestling after requesting and being granted her release on 29 December 2021. Toni entered the new year looking to regain her passion. She'd find it in AEW; Storm debuted on the 30 March 2022 episode of Dynamite.

Her 'Timeless' character is one of the absolute best things wrestling has thrown up in the modern era.

Tony Nese

Left WWE: 25 June 2021 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: October-December 2021

Some wrestlers look like they've been chiselled out of stone, but sometimes having a body to die for isn't enough. Tony Nese was cut free from WWE on 25 June 2021. He'd debut on the 23 October 2021 Dynamite, but didn't officially sign with AEW until 3 December.

Let's be honest, his All Elite run has been even less impressive than his WWE one. Tony Khan has done next to nothing with the guy.

William Regal

Left WWE: 5 January 2022 (Released)

Jumped To AEW: 6 March 2022

William Regal's longevity as a trusted WWE soldier and his friendship with Triple H meant everyone was shocked when he was released on 5 January 2022. By March, Regal was snapped up by AEW, and that deal came in time to debut at Revolution on pay-per-view. That's when the Blackpool Combat Club began.

More on Regal will come in the next section looking at AEW stars who either returned to WWE or cast a wide net to work under Triple H for the very first time.

AEW To WWE

Andrade

Left AEW: December 2023 (Contract Expiry)

Jumped To WWE: 27 January 2024

Andrade El Idolo has already been explored above as a WWE > AEW jumper, but he's since gone back the other way. The former NXT Champ's AEW deal expired after Worlds End 2023, then he returned to WWE action at the 2024 Royal Rumble. In the year and change since, Andrade has been used mainly as a supplementary star for acts like LA Knight, Carmelo Hayes and more.

There isn't a vast difference between how he's been used in either company, but Andrade seems to feel more at home in WWE.

Blair Davenport (Bea Priestley)

Left AEW: 13 August 2020 (Released)

Jumped To WWE: 24 June 2021

2020 was a bit of a downer for Bea Priestley. After excelling on the independent circuit and turning people's heads, Bea was signed up by AEW almost from launch. Then, in mid-2020, she was released due to being unable to fly in for dates mid-pandemic. That sucked, but WWE came knocking in June 2021 and the renamed Blair Davenport debuted on the now defunct NXT UK brand.

Davenport was later released on 7 February 2025 after flirting with the main roster. A shortlived union with Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn went nowhere fast.

CM Punk

Left AEW: 2 September 2023 (Contract Terminated)

Jumped To WWE: 25 November 2023

Does he have your attention now? And other assorted Punk-isms. Many thought known WWE-basher CM Punk would be cosy in AEW for years, but drama followed him everywhere behind the scenes. That led to his All Elite exit in the summer of 2023 and an unforgettable re-debut in WWE at Survivor Series: WarGames 2023.

By all accounts, Punk has been an awesome team player under Triple H. Injuries have wobbled him, but it looks like one of wrestling's least likely comeback stories has worked out for everybody...except AEW.

Cody Rhodes

Left AEW: February 2022 (Mutual Consent)

Jumped To WWE: March/April 2022

It was a trip to see AEW's Cody Rhodes dance onto WWE screens with a bang at WrestleMania 38. Everybody was delighted, but everybody was also stunned that Vince McMahon (who wasn't long for the company's hierarchy) slapped a green light on what was effectively All Elite's presentation.

Jumping back to WWE has shown itself to be an inspired decision by Cody. He "finished the story" at 'Mania 40 in 2024, and has gone on to become the company's leading babyface. Merch has flown out the door.

Ethan Page

Left AEW: February 2024 (Mutual Consent)

Jumped To WWE: 28 May 2024

All Elite Wrestling was a frustrating experience for talented 'All Ego' Ethan Page. He felt overlooked under Tony Khan's gaze, and that's why he engineered a release from contract in February 2024. Privately, Page was engineering something else: A move to WWE's NXT brand and a shot at glory he believed he deserved.

The Canadian didn't waste any time in making his mark. He became NXT Champion in July 2024, then dropped the title back to Trick Williams in October. This is way better than what he was doing in AEW though.

Jade Cargill

Left AEW: September 2023 (Contract Expiry)

Jumped To WWE: September 2023

One look at Jade Cargill is all anyone needs to feel the word "star" pushing its way to the forefront of their brain box. She was impressive upon debuting in AEW a few years back, and she's been even more so since WWE's marketing might got right behind Jade. A late-2023 leap upwards will pay huge dividends for Cargill long term, especially once she improves in-ring.

WWE know how to market wrestlers better than anyone else. Don't be shocked if titles, movies and TV shows are in Jade's future over coming years.

Lexis King (Brian Pillman Jr)

Left AEW: 11 July 2023 (Contract Expiry)

Jumped To WWE: July/August 2023

Brian Pillman's son was a background act in AEW. Commentators spoke highly of his family ties, but Tony Khan didn't see fit to push Bri Jr to the front of the pack. His All Elite contract lapsed in July 2023, then the re-dubbed Lexis King swiftly moved on to NXT. He's still waiting to fulfil his potential.

At 31, King still has bags of time to make his father's memory proud. Here's hoping he does just that in WWE.

Penta

Left AEW: 30 November 2024 (Contract Expiry)

Jumped To WWE: 6 January 2025

The world was not ready for Penta's sensational debut during Raw's first episode on Netflix in early-January 2025. Overnight, the masked man went from solid tag wrestler over in AEW to a bonafide superstar capable of shifting merchandise by the truckload. Debuting anyone right at the start of the traditional Royal Rumble-WrestleMania sprint carries some risks, but Penta looks like he isn't sweating the pressure.

Keep a close eye on the second half of his 2025. It's going to be massive.

Ricky Saints (Starks)

Left AEW: February 2025 (Mutual Consent)

Jumped To WWE: 11 February 2025

That's Ricky Saints to you!

The former Ricky Starks was weirdly frozen out by Tony Khan before finally closing a miserable chapter of his career by mutual consent in February 2025. AEW barely used Starks in 2024, and that had to be agonising for somebody who just wanted to wrestle, cut promos and get on with things. Thankfully, he'll be able to do that now he's landed on WWE's NXT brand.

Like Jade Cargill, Penta and others, Saints looks like a bigger deal under WWE's bright lights than he ever did on AEW TV.

Shawn Spears

Left AEW: 1 January 2024 (Contract Expiry)

Jumped To WWE: February 2024

Shawn Spears didn't go back to the old Tye Dillinger name after bolting back to WWE in February 2024. Instead, the company let him keep his 'Chairman' gimmick he'd been using on and off during episodes of Dynamite, Collision and Rampage. That was great to see, because the ol' "Perfect 10" thing is pretty tired. That only goes so far.

Spears is one of many who spent time trying his hand at AEW before crossing the divide once more.

The Hardy Boyz

Left AEW: April 2024 (Matt) and June 2024 (Jeff). (Contract Expiry)

Jumped To WWE: February 2024

Nobody who witnessed it will ever forget the mass hysteria that accompanied Matt and Jeff's grand WWE return back at WrestleMania 33 in 2017. That was magical, but their respective stars definitely faded under AEW's banner. Some of the stuff The Hardys did in All Elite was frankly crap. A return to TNA followed in mid-2024, and then WWE's working relationship with the company opened doors for another comeback.

Matt and Jeff wrestled their first WWE bout as a tag-team in years on the 25 February 2025 episode of NXT.

William Regal

Left AEW: 30 December 2022 (Mutual Consent)

Jumped To WWE: January 2023

A clause in William Regal's AEW contract meant he couldn't appear on WWE TV for an entire year after dashing back into Triple H's arms, so the British legend didn't show face until the 23 January 2024 edition of NXT despite being under contract since January 2023. In fairness, Tony Khan didn't want to stand in Regal's way when the retired wrestler-turned-manager/authority figure/scout/coach made it clear he wanted to work with his son on WWE's side.

Regal's boy is NXT's Charlie Dempsey.