Add as a preferred source on Google AEW could be nearing one of its biggest waves of signings in 2026, with at least seven names or teams currently waiting to sign with the promotion.
According to Jake Jeremy of F4WOnline, sources close to the situation said the number could be even higher, though one of them has direct knowledge of seven possible deals. So far, none of the names have been identified, and there’s no confirmed date for the contracts to be finalized.
The update comes right as a wave of former WWE wrestlers became free to sign elsewhere. A 90-day non-compete period tied to the releases of Aleister Black, Kairi Sane, Zelina Vega, Santos Escobar, Zoey Stark, Bo Dallas, Nikki Cross, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin expired on July 23.
That doesn’t mean the seven names cited by F4WOnline are necessarily on that list, though. The report only connects AEW’s possible move to the new market landscape and acknowledges it hasn’t been able to confirm the identities involved.
WON: THERE ARE AT LEAST 7 NAMES WHO ARE CURRENTLY “WAITING” TO BE SIGNED BY ALL ELITE WRESTLING.
— Drainmaker (@TheDrainmaker) July 24, 2026
One source confirmed that there “may be more, but I only know of 7 personally,” so there could be a big move to grab more talent for AEW/ROH in the next few weeks. pic.twitter.com/7SjViyKgP1
The report gained more traction following Tony Khan’s press conference ahead of AEW Redemption. Asked about the free agents, the AEW president said there’s a lot of available talent and confirmed he’s watching the situation.
AEW had already been aggressive in the market in 2026, signing names like Tommaso Ciampa and The Rascalz. With Dynamite, Collision and ROH’s weekly programming, the possible arrival of at least seven new names signals a new split of talent across the three shows.
The first announcements are expected in the coming weeks, but any connection to specific former WWE wrestlers should still be treated only as speculation.