Since All Elite Wrestling launched earlier this year, the industry has been buzzing. Fans have been wondering who will make the jump from WWE to AEW as well was which up-and-coming stars on the indies will get their chance to shine. However, there’s also a chance for stars who had their time in WWE to get a second opportunity with AEW, as seen with PAC and Jake Hager
Today we're going to take a look at 10 former WWE superstars who they missed the boat on but now have a second chance to become the stars that their fans knew they could be in AEW. Join us as we see who could be #AllElite next.
10 Matt Sydal
Matt Sydal, the man formerly known as Evan "Air" Bourne wowed the WWE Universe with his aerial offense. Despite his impressive skills, the former WWE Tag Team champion's run in WWE ended abruptly in 2014.
Sydal has had some brief stints in Ring of Honor, New Japan, and Impact Wrestling but now fans are wondering when he will be #AllElite. Sydal would bring exciting possible matchups with the likes of PAC and Kenny Omega. With his years of experience, Sydal has what it takes to be #AllElite.
9 Davey Boy Smith Jr.
Son of the legendary "British Bulldog" Davey Boy Smith, young Harry Smith has the makings of a star. During his time in WWE, Smith was half of the Hart Dynasty and became a WWE Tag Team champion. However, he was released from WWE in 2011.
After leaving WWE, Smith found success in New Japan as part of the Killer Elite Squad with Lance Archer. Smith was recently part of the New Hart Foundation in Major League Wrestling with Teddy Hart and Brian Pillman Jr. With his wrestling lineage, Smith has the makings of the next big star in AEW.
8 Ryback
In 2012, Ryback was the next big star in WWE. His undefeated streak and his chant of "Feed Me More" captivated the WWE Universe. With his size and strength, Ryback had all the makings of being a WWE Champion. However, his career never really took off and he left WWE in 2016.
If given the opportunity the "Big Guy" could make a huge impact. Whether he is the next big hero to take down the Inner Circle or the next big monster heel ready to leave a path of destruction in AEW, the possibilities could fare very well for Ryback.
7 Tenille Dashwood
Tenille Dashwood is seen by many as one of the most underutilized talents to have come through WWE. Her series of matches against Paige spotlighted the women's division in NXT. After a failed character change with the infamous Emmalina, Dashwood would be released from WWE in 2017.
After her departure, Dashwood had a run in Ring of Honor and has most recently joined Impact Wrestling. Her skill in the ring, as well as her charisma, would make her a welcome addition to the AEW women's division.
6 Ted DiBiase Jr.
Like Cody, Ted DiBiase hails from a wrestling legacy as his father is WWE Hall of Famer, Ted DiBiase. Ted Jr. went on to become a former WWE Tag Team Champion with Cody as part of the group Legacy. Young Ted was seemingly destined to be a big star in the WWE. However, after the dissolution of Legacy, he dwindled down the card until his departure in 2013.
Since leaving WWE, DiBiase has been out of the wrestling world. However, his arrival in AEW is almost too big of an opportunity to pass up. With his family legacy as well as his history with Cody, DiBiase's return to wrestling could be a big one in AEW and he could finally emerge as the star he was always meant to be.
5 Luke Harper
Brodie Lee has been on the wrestling scene since 2003 and has impressed fans with his size and athletic ability. During his time in WWE as Luke Harper, he was always appreciated by the WWE Universe as the workhorse of the Wyatt Family. Until his release, Harper was seen as one of WWE's most underused talents.
However, with his new freedom, the opportunities are endless. Lee could bring an interesting new dynamic to AEW with matchups with the likes of Jon Moxley, Cody, and others. He brings a threat with his great size while his athleticism and in-ring ability will allow him to keep up with the best in AEW.
4 Damien Sandow
Damien Sandow earned the respect of the WWE Universe with his unmatched charisma and microphone skills. Sadly, WWE never capitalized on his momentum and kept him as a comedy act before releasing him in 2016.
After leaving WWE, he had a brief stint in Impact Wrestling before taking a break from wrestling to pursue acting. He recently reemerged in the NWA as Aron Stevens and has the chance to once again entertain audiences but now be more than just a comedy act. With his charisma as well as in-ring talent, Aron Stevens has what it takes to be #AllElite.
3 Eva Marie
Eva Marie had the look to be a star. With her beauty and signature red hair, she was one of the most hated women in WWE due to her lack of wrestling skill. However, as many veterans have said, any reaction is better than no reaction. WWE embraced her heat but before she could take off, she left WWE and wrestling in 2016.
With the growing women's evolution in wrestling, a woman like Eva Marie could garner so much heat. Fans would get great joy out of seeing Britt Baker try to rip her jaw out or see her get one-upped by champion Riho. There is potential there and that shouldn’t be so easily dismissed. With the right booking and handling, Eva Marie could be one of the biggest heels in AEW.
2 Enzo And Cass
One of the most controversial duos in recent history, Enzo and Cass are ready to be #All Elite. With Cass' size and Enzo's electric charisma, fans are still shocked at how they didn't become huge in WWE. After a breakup and feud, the two best friends ended up having a real-life falling out and a few other personal issues that led to their departures from WWE in 2018.
However as revealed on a recent Talk Is Jericho podcast, Enzo and Cass are back and ready to go. Their arrival would heat up the tag team division in AEW and already has fans thinking of possible match-ups with the likes of the Young Bucks, the Lucha Bros, and SCU.
1 AJ Lee
After embracing her "crazy side," AJ Lee won the hearts of fans and went on to become one of the longest-reigning WWE Divas Champions in history. This is sadly overshadowed due to the falling out between WWE and her husband CM Punk, which eventually led to her departure in 2015.
Since leaving WWE, AJ has gone on to become a New York Times Best Selling Author with her book Crazy Is My Superpower and has become an advocate for mental health awareness causes. Her joining AEW would bring more life to the AEW women's division and bring a great role model for young women as well as those with mental health issues. It is her talent, her charisma, and her life experiences that would make AJ Lee a perfect fit.