Felix Upton on March 26, 2026
A wrestler’s potential in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) is not limited to headlining WrestleMania, owning the Championship title, and causing strong crowd reactions. Even the scale of WWE does not guarantee that athletes can achieve these heights. It may still make other wrestlers feel that they are not valued enough.
As All Elite Wrestling (AEW) expands its reach, including with pay-per-view streaming of AEW on HBO Max, the acquisition of Ring of Honor (ROH), and attracting new talents, WWE icons sometimes decide to change direction. Let’s discuss a few of such names.
From WWE to AEW: Key Reasons Behind Jumping Ship
WWE fame no longer defines a wrestler’s ceiling. As Tony Khan launched the AEW campaign in 2019, the athletes and fans alike explored a whole new universe. It focuses on a character-first approach, where athletes have more freedom in collaborations and partnerships with other promos, developing their own storyline – a “forbidden door” in WWE.
Some try to escape Triple H’s creative decisions. He’s often criticised for storyline stagnation and attempts to bury rising talents, e.g., Kane, Booker T, etc. AEW offers more flexible contracts, promises better revenue, and, what’s most cherished, it gives freedom. The emphasis also shifts: in-ring workrate takes priority, backstage drama becomes secondary.
Baron Corbin: From WWE Lone Wolf to AEW Nomad
Known as a heel character in wrestling, Baron Corbin (aka Bishop Dyer), achieved a lot during his 12-year tenure in WWE. A successful Money in the Bank (2017) winner, WWE US Champion (2017), and King of the Ring (2019) winner, generated a strong community reaction with his appearance on an AEW dark match in January 2026. Previously known as “bad guy,” Corbin came up with a new “Nomad” narrative.
As he stepped on the ring, the crowd went wild. His signature power-based wrestling, End of the Days, and Deep Six moves felt fresh for Tony Khan’s technical roster. There’s also a poker side to his persona outside the ring. The Nomad took part in the JBL Poker Invitational (WWE RAW) and other tournaments against fellow wrestlers.
The unusual hobby makes his persona interesting for wrestling action fans and audiences of poker apps for iOS and Android. Unlike browsers, native mobile clients give users more space to play anywhere, while supporting biometric login, portrait mode and multi-tabling. Similar to AEW’s more flexible terms.
There’s no information on whether Corbin signed a deal with AEW, but the community reaction shows his appearance was a success, despite the loss.
Dezmond Xavier & Zachary Wentz: The Rascalz Reunion
Wes Lee (Dezmond Xavier) and Nash Carter (Zachary Wentz )’s performance on WWE NXT under the MSK stable was a premier one. Two-time NXT Tag Team champions, Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Winners and multiple title defences are in their WWE track record. Despite numerous rivalries, betrayals, and breaks, the team members finally reunited as Rascals (the original team name).
Dezmond and Zachary signed a multi-year deal with AEW just a couple of months ago (in January 2026) – a clear confirmation of the Rascals’ departure from TNA. Dezmond was the leader of the MSK stable and was considered among the best TNA wrestlers.
Following the video preview in AEW Collision: Maximum Carnage, Rascalz appeared on Episode #31, creating high-spot chaos with a stunning defeat of Action Andretti and Lio Rush. Their high-flying style feels less restricted and more fully realised in the AEW ring.
Andrade El Ídolo: AEW Wins in Second Jumping Ship
Starting his career as a face persona, Andrade made a heel turn right before signing a deal with World Wrestling Entertainment. Throughout his career in WWE (2015 to 2021), Andrade won multiple titles: NXT Champion, US Champion, Speed Champion, and Match of the Year. His fight against Gargano in TakeOver: Philadelphia earned a 5-star rating, which no other match had received before.
He is among the few players who switched from WWE to AEW, then back to WWE, and eventually settled with AEW again. Previously wrestling for CMLL and NJPW, “The Prodigal Son” still picked the creative freedom of AEW to shine at the highest level.
The first surprise return to AEW dates to October 2025. We’re referring to when Andrade attacked Kenny Omega in a signature brutal manner and aligned himself with the Don Callis Family. But the full-fledged return happened in January 2026, at Collision: Maximum Carnage. He didn’t just come back – Andrade’s sights are set on the AEW World Championship title, currently owned by MJF. The title chase has already started, positioning Andrade closer to the next decisive moment.
Malakai Black: AEW Main Event Push Went Another Way
Despite the NXT Champion title, the overwhelming win in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classics, and successful performances on the RAW and SmackDown rosters, the persona of Aleister Black was among the most underrated. He brings occult experiences to the ring, impressing the crowd with his calmness and unique fighting style. Black’s opportunities were limited within the WWE structure of that time.
Tony Khan gave him total creative control in AEW. Debuted in 2021 as Malakai Black, he attacked Cody Rhodes, and even gave birth to his own stable – House of Black. It quickly became the dominating force in AEW.
At the same time, the House of Black’s success buried his singles career. He returned to the WWE SmackDown roster in April 2025 under the Aleister Black name. AEW tenure definitely added a fresh air to his dark persona, which the WWE ring will soon see.
A shift from WWE to AEW never guarantees success. Money and fame won’t fall from above just for signing the deal. Only the smartest ones, understanding how to use AEW freedom to rebuild or empower their own persona to achieve success, even after returning to WWE.
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