Four WWE Superstars Who Considered AEW but Chose to Stay with WWE
In the ever-evolving worldwide of expert wrestling, WWE and AEW continue to be the two dominant forces in North America. Over the years, many high-profile wrestlers have switched among the 2 promotions, developing excitement among fanatics. Notable names together with CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, and Jade Cargill have made headlines with the aid of transferring to WWE, while stars like Adam Cole, Bryan Danielson, and Adam Copeland have found new houses in AEW.
However, some distinguished WWE Superstars have flirted with the idea of turning into a member of AEW but in the long run determined to live loyal to WWE. Here’s a take a look at four present day and former WWE stars who were near making the jump but never officially joined AEW.
Randy Orton – The Viper’s Flirtation with AEW
Randy Orton has been a cornerstone of WWE for almost all of his profession, making the opportunity of him leaving seem not possible to many lovers. But in 2019, Orton ignited rumors of a likely AEW circulate via manner of posting a picture of himself in Jacksonville, Florida—home of AEW’s headquarters—subsequent to a signal that read “Elite Level.”
This placed up, which tagged AEW stars like Chris Jericho and Cody Rhodes, triggered extreme speculation that Orton is probably teasing a circulate to the newly-common merchandising. Fans questioned if one among WWE’s biggest stars may additionally need to actually make the leap to AEW. Ultimately, Orton remained with WWE, wherein he remains a key decide and fan preferred.
Donovan Dijak – AEW Interest, But No Deal
Donovan Dijak, recognised for his high-quality athleticism notwithstanding his implementing length, didn’t fully capitalize on his capability during his WWE run. After his release earlier this twelve months, he lower back to the independent scene and sparked intrigue while he become spotted backstage at AEW’s Forbidden Door occasion in 2024. In interviews, Dijak cited that AEW president Tony Khan have become aware about his hobby in turning into a member of the selling.
However, notwithstanding those early symptoms and signs of a potential AEW debut, Dijak has but to compete in an All Elite Wrestling ring. Instead, he’s remained lively on the independent circuit, appearing in promotions including MLW, HOG, and Rev-Pro, leaving enthusiasts to wonder if a destiny AEW look continues to be at the horizon.
Three and four. Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin – Motor City Machine Guns’ WWE Debut
The Motor City Machine Guns, constructed from Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, are widely regarded as one of the best tag groups in expert wrestling records. Known for their standout performances in promotions like ROH, NJPW, and TNA, the duo had wrestling fans buzzing at the same time as rumors circulated earlier this three hundred and sixty five days that they have got been finalizing a deal with AEW.
After an top notch displaying at AEW’s All Out event in 2022, many assumed that Shelley and Sabin could ultimately signal with AEW entire-time. However, in a twist that surprised enthusiasts, the Motor City Machine Guns made their official WWE debut at the October 18, 2024, episode of Friday Night SmackDown. They proper now made their presence felt, defeating A-Town Down Under and Los Garza to move one step inside the path of hard for the WWE Tag Team Championship.
Conclusion
While AEW has managed to trap away numerous excessive-profile WWE skills, there are nonetheless folks that, regardless of teasing a bypass, have selected to stay with WWE or forge a top notch route. From legends like Randy Orton to rising stars like Donovan Dijak, these wrestlers keep to make their mark within the organisation, leaving enthusiasts eagerly looking ahead to what’s subsequent in their careers.
Both WWE and AEW stay powerhouses in the wrestling worldwide, and with talents continuing to transport among them, the pride and speculation are sure to maintain enthusiasts on the threshold of their seats.
