As we near the end of 2026, the WWE and AEW rosters could look very different as contracts come up and some superstars consider jumping to another company. Some superstars might even ask to be released to find greener pastures. Whether it’s heading to Connecticut or Jacksonville, a few wrestlers will find themselves in a new environment. With that being said, here are three superstars who should make the jump from WWE to AEW, and vice versa, in the upcoming year.
From WWE to AEW
Asuka
Asuka’s WWE career has always been emotionally mixed. From top star to frustrating feuds, ‘The Empress of Tomorrow’ has seen it all during her main roster run. She began in NXT with an undefeated streak that held strong even on her last day on the black-and-gold brand before she moved to the main roster. She continued her dominating run, even winning the very first Women’s Royal Rumble match in 2018, before suffering her first loss at WrestleMania 34 to Charlotte Flair. She went on to feud with Carmella, an encounter that left fans frustrated, feeling Asuka should have been booked better. Asuka wouldn’t remain empty-handed on the main roster, however, as she went on to accomplish multiple feats, including winning the world title multiple times and becoming the 2020 Ms. Money in the Bank. After starting a feud with Iyo Sky, Asuka announced in May 2026 that she would step away from the ring. She hasn't been featured in any capacity since, and her WWE future remains uncertain. Asuka could do what Bayley did and return without revealing whether she signed a new WWE deal, and have another run with the company, but a move to AEW wouldn’t be bad for her either. She could bring a new vision to the Women’s Division and be booked as a tough challenge for anyone who steps up to her.
Shinsuke Nakamura
When Shinsuke Nakamura arrived in NXT in 2016, he seemed destined to be a major star on the main roster. His run in NXT saw him hold the NXT Championship multiple times and displayed multiple Match of the Year candidates. Once he arrived on the main roster, his run looked promising, as he contested the world title on multiple occasions. However, a failed feud with Jinder Mahal and a heel turn that went nowhere for his career destroyed any credibility WWE had in Nakamura as a main-event star. He’s mostly been featured on the midcard scene, winning the Intercontinental and United States Championships multiple times, but he’s never found that main-event spotlight again. He makes sporadic appearances on WWE television, but he’s mostly away from the spotlight. He still has a few good years left, and a move to AEW could rejuvenate his star power. Also, he’d be able to feature in multiple feuds against top stars such as Will Ospreay and Konosuke Takeshita.
Nattie
Since 2008, Natalya has been a staple in the WWE Women’s Division, wrestling different generations of superstars. From Michelle McCool to Jaida Parker, she has made her name among WWE's top female superstars. However, her longevity hasn't been enough to keep her in a strong position on the main roster. She’s mostly been used in Lucha Libre AAA and NXT, helping out the next crop of talent move up in the company. Her in-ring experience could easily be used in AEW, where she could help train the next generation of stars. She’s done it all in WWE, but it’s time for her to move on and make the jump to AEW.
From AEW to WWE
Kenny Omega
Since AEW's launch in 2019, no superstar has been more crucial to the company's success than Kenny Omega. From New Japan to AEW, Omega has been one of the world's best superstars. His charisma is far above that of others. He’s held the AEW World Championship and other titles throughout his run, and he’s done everything he can for the company. Although it might not seem plausible, a move to WWE could still happen. Omega has dealt with many injuries, and even a near-death experience couldn’t keep him out of the ring. A move to WWE could see him being used as a part-time attraction and he would definitely be able to rest when needed while still being featured in the main event. Omega’s stardom would easily put him at the top of the company, but it is ultimately up to him whether he wants to finally make the jump to WWE or retire as an AEW star.
Rush
Rush’s recent booking in AEW has left many fans confused, as he’s seen as a top talent. He’s been prominently featured in multiple companies, including Lucha Libre AAA, Ring of Honor, and CMLL. Since arriving in AEW, he’s been one of the most cheered wrestlers on the roster. He still hasn't won a title with the company, and with the way he’s been booked recently, it may never happen. For years, Rush has wanted to wrestle at AEW All In in any capacity, but has missed every show since arriving in 2022. He also hasn’t competed on AEW television since July 2026, with no indication of injuries or any personal problems affecting him. Rush could be back on television soon, but for a different company; a move to WWE could help him regain that momentum, but he keeps losing in AEW.
Private Party
One of the teams that was most displayed during the beginning of AEW was Private Party. Their entertaining entrance, followed by their in-ring work, made them must-see on AEW television. However,, one thing the team lacked most was the tag team belts around their waists. They challenged multiple times but failed to capture them. They would disappear from television before returning to finally capture the tag titles in 2024. After dropping the titles to The Hurt Syndicate following an 84-day reign, Private Party would not find that same stardom again, making only sporadic appearances on Dynamite. With rumors that their AEW contracts end in 2027, a move to WWE could help them revitalize their careers. WWE could easily slot them into NXT, push them for a bit to get them comfortable with the crowd, then move them up to the main roster. Private Party still has a lot of juice left, and moving to WWE might help them.
