The wrestling world is expected to see some big changes coming soon with crossover between the WWE and AEW rosters. Quite a few names have been released from WWE this year due to the company’s budget cuts. AEW rarely fires talents since Tony Khan is known for paying out contracts and letting them expire. However, the WWE side of things will see AEW getting to pick and choose which names they want to add to the roster.
411mania shared details from Dave Meltzer’s Wrestling Observer about two names being rumored for the upcoming AEW All In 2026 PPV:
“Meltzer noted the match could see “a surprise debut or two” since both Ilja Dragunov and Sheamus have left WWE this year. In August, Dragunov became a free agent following the expiration of his WWE contract. Meanwhile, Sheamus also left WWE under similar circumstances in July 2026 when he refused to restructure his latest deal. Both are currently free agents because their contracts expired rather than WWE letting them go.”
Both Sheamus and Ilja Dragunov were named as potential debuts for the big casino gauntlet match. AEW has wrestlers coming to the ring mystery style, like the Royal Rumble, until someone scores a winning pin fall. Ricochet and others have debuted in this unique match. Sheamus and Dragunov would likely get huge pops and boost the star power of the competitors involved.
Two Other Big AEW All In Debuts Expected
The other names expected to debut at AEW All In 2026 are Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods of New Day. WWE’s former legendary tag team set historic records and became a rare money-drawing tag team act.
However, changes in ownership saw TKO requesting that both wrestlers take pay cuts earlier this year to influence their release. Most fans and pundits already expected New Day in AEW since they chose the firing over a pay cut to go perform elsewhere.
Rumors indicate that Kingston and Woods will debut as partners of Swerve Strickland in a multi-team match for the AEW Trios Championship. Four former WWE stars debuting for AEW will certainly freshen up an already stacked roster. AEW can gain momentum coming out of their version of a WrestleMania event.
Why AEW Is Changing Stance On Former WWE Talent
Recent years have seen AEW slowing down on signing former WWE talents after going to that well in the early years. Negative situations of names like CM Punk, Rusev, and Aleister Black not working out provided a lesson for Khan.
AEW has tried to only add former WWE names who are committed to the new company and want to contribute as part of a team locker room. Khan has become extremely selective of who he signs, but talents considered the “best in the world” are welcome in AEW.
Four names here make sense since all are respected superstars. New Day can be argued as the most successful WWE tag team of the post 2000s. Sheamus is a grand slam champion who provides veteran experience. Dragunov is the only risk, but he’s proven he can have some of the best matches in the industry when given the chance.
Four Former WWE Stars Rumored For AEW Debut At All In 2026