AEW has re-invigorated many people's love for wrestling, but they still have ways to go before they can establish themselves as a premier force in the wrestling world on equal footing with WWE. AEW execs might say they're not trying to compete, and are simply offering an alternative (which they are), but the end goal is and always will be to match and hopefully surpass WWE.
In order to do that, AEW needs to bring in some big guns. They missed out on a lot of quality names, but some big-time players are still available for them to sign.
10 Should Have Signed: Tenille Dashwood
While AEW has done a better job with their Women's Division as of late, it still needs a shot in the arm. Tenille Dashwood, who was unceremoniously released by WWE in 2017, could have been that additional boost.
AEW didn't make a move on her, and instead, she signed with Impact Wrestling after her stint in ROH. The former Emma (or Emmalina) did make an appearance at All Out's Casino Battle Royale, but it was a one-shot deal.
9 Still Can: Cain Velasquez
The Cain Velasquez-WWE experiment was a massive flop on so many different levels. His big debut came after one of the more disappointing matches in recent memory, and he then only wrestled one bad match in Saudi Arabia. Cain was basically paid a hefty amount for Brock Lesnar to get his "win" back - in a scripted sport.
Velasquez was recently released by WWE, and will soon be able to sign with AEW, which the young company should consider. Jake Hager is fine and all, but imagine a guy with Cain's background and pedigree benefiting from Le Champion's guidance?
8 Should Have Signed: Edge
Fans are happy Edge chose to stay home, because they got one of the best wrestling returns ever at the 2020 Royal Rumble. However, had AEW pushed a little more and sweetened the deal (financially or otherwise), Edge could have made his epic return as Adam Copeland in the rival company.
AEW probably did everything it can to try and land The Rated R Superstar, but Edge's loyalty to Vince trumped everything else.
7 Still Can: CM Punk
CM Punk might prove to be the one exception to "never say never," because it seems like he's genuinely disenchanted with wrestling, even if he did make his lackluster return to the industry. His character might also be too difficult to work with at this point in his career as well, since Vince allegedly "doesn't want to do business with him."
Punk is under contract with Fox for his role on WWE Backstage, so nothing is stopping him from signing with AEW. While previous talks fell through, you just never know in the wrestling world. There's that "never" again.
6 Should Have Signed: Killer Kross & Scarlett Bordeaux
If their entrance is anything to go by, WWE has some massive plans for Karrion Kross and Scarlett. And why wouldn't they? The former Killer Kross and Scarlett Bordeaux took the indies by storm in such a short time span.
The couple had signed with Impact Wrestling but were unhappy with their contracts, so they both banked on themselves, asking for their release. It might be too soon to tell, but it seems to have paid off. AEW should've made a bigger push to help both their men and women's divisions.
5 Still Can: Sting
Perhaps not as a wrestler, but Sting is definitely someone that can provide some additional buzz for AEW. He's a recognizable name that got the shaft in WWE, and might be looking for one last run - it's not impossible to imagine The Icon facing Darby Allin, or going up against the Inner Circle in true Sting fashion.
Still, his role would be better served as a Jake "The Snake" type, helping put over and legitimize members of AEW's roster.
4 Should Have Signed: Kota Ibushi
While it's unclear how much interest Kota Ibushi would actually have in joining AEW, Kenny Omega stated in an interview that if he had asked Ibushi to join him on this endeavor, that the Japanese star would have done so.
The Golden Lovers' complicated relationship is well-documented, but it's going to have to wait a little while longer to possibly materialize in North America since Ibushi is signed with NJPW for the foreseeable future.
3 Still Can: Rusev
Rusev was part of the mass exodus of released superstars that hit WWE during the pandemic. Even though it seemed like The Bulgarian Brute was unhappy for some time, his departure still came as a shock.
AEW can always use a wrestler of Rusev's skills: he can play the villain, the heroic face, and even the funny goofball. He might not sign with them immediately, as we expect Rusev to explore his options in NWA, Impact, and NJPW, but he should be AEW-bound sooner rather than later.
2 Should Have Signed: John Morrison
John Morrison made a name for himself (or multiple names, depending on the promotion) outside of the WWE, becoming the top champion in Lucha Underground, AAA, and Impact Wrestling.
AEW wasn't on his radar, though, as The Shaman of Sexy had mentioned he wanted to return to WWE and did so in late 2019. Tony Khan and the gang should've pushed for him more alongside fellow Impact alumni Santana & Ortiz.
1 Still Can: The Revolt
Whether or not they come alone or with ECIII, fans can expect to see newly named The Revolt on AEW television by the end of the year. These two old-school, tag team specialists were tailor-made for AEW and their focus on the tag team division.
That's all the former Revival members wanted, even turning down big money from WWE to achieve it: the chance to showcase their wrestling talent. There's no better place for that than in AEW, with a looming match against the Young Bucks making fans salivate.