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All Elite Wrestling was officially announced on New Year’s Day, and has been generating a lot of buzz.
The company, which is owned by billionaire Shahid Khan, and managed by his son Tony Khan is attempting to change the pro-wrestling landscape.
Although the current roster list is slim, many top stars from both the independent scene and major promotions could help bring All Elite Wrestling to a competitive status against the WWE.
Let’s take a look at 10 stars(including teams) both inside and outside the ring who could benefit from signing with All Elite Wrestling.
AJ Styles
AJ Styles is one of the best wrestlers in the world, and one of the top stars in the WWE.
Since arriving in 2016, AJ Styles has managed to win the WWE Championship twice, as well as the U.S Championship.
Styles has had a great run over the years in TNA, ROH, and New Japan Pro Wrestling.
He is currently 41 years old, and a lighter schedule, which AEW is currently offering top stars could help Styles wind down his career.
AJ Styles WWE contract ends in April of 2019, and could either assist him in bargaining a better deal with the company, or join the AEW roster for a similar deal financially, and a lighter schedule.
Kota Ibushi
Kota Ibushi is one of the best known freelancers in the world. Although he does currently work with New Japan Pro Wrestling, he does not have an exclusive deal with the company.
Ibushi turned down a WWE developmental deal in 2016 after working the Cruiserweight Classic.
Ibushi’s rise to fame became more predominant in 2017 when he returned to New Japan.
Ibushi suffered a minor concussion during his match at Wrestle Kingdom 13 against Will Ospreay.
Kota Ibushi teamed with Matt and Nick Jackson against Rey Fenix, Rey Mysterio and Bandito at last year’s ALL IN event. He would be a great addition to the AEW roster if he decides to sign a deal.
Mauro Ranallo
Mauro Ranallo is hands down one of the best play-by-play announcers in combat sports.
Ranallo is known for his announce work with WWE, New Japan Pro Wrestling, Showtime Championship Boxing, and Pride.
Ranallo’s mic work awarded him CBS Commentator of The Year in 2018.
Ranallo is currently signed to a WWE deal until summer, and with his years of experience behind the announce table, he could be a welcoming addition to the All Elite Wrestling roster.
Joey Ryan
Joey Ryan is a veteran on the independent scene, working for almost every major promotion at one point in time.
Ryan is currently dealing with pectoral tear that does require surgery. He most recently working an MLW taping, and its unknown how long he will be out of action.
Once Ryan heals, he could be an excellent addition to the AEW roster.
Shinsuke Nakamura
Shinsuke Nakamura was a top star in New Japan Pro Wrestling before signing with the WWE in 2017.
Nakamura has accomplished a lot during his time in the WWE. He has been a two-time NXT Champion, 2018 Royal Rumble winner, and held the United States Championship for 156 days.
Nakamura’s contract with WWE is set to expire, and although there is interest from New Japan Pro wrestling, Nakamura does not want to move his family from Orlando, where they currently reside.
Nakamura could remain in the U.S., have a lighter schedule, and sign with AEW where he will end up being one of their top stars.
The Rascalz
The independent stable on the independent scene consisting of Trey Miguel, Desmond Xavier, Zachary Wentz, and Myron Rood could be an excellent addition to the All Elite Wrestling roster.
Currently three members of the group are working with Impact Wrestling, and now have some television time under their belt. They are known for their high flying moves, and could be a welcome addition under the AEW banner.
Jim Ross
Jim Ross was rumored to be involved with All Elite Wrestling since its inception last year. The former voice of the WWE, who is currently signed with the company until April could be a great addition to AEW.
Ross, who recently wrapped up a gig with New Japan Pro Wrestling could transition into All Elite Wrestling as not only an on-air personality, but also a member of the senior management team.
Ross spent many years with the WWE as Head Of Talent Relations and has a great mind for the business.
Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson
Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson signed big money deals with the WWE after leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling in 2017.
The duo came in strong, and formed a promising alliance with fellow former Bullet Club member AJ Styles. The WWE eventually broke the trio apart, and The Club managed to find themselves floating in the lower mid-card for sometime.
They managed to capture the RAW Tag-Team Championship once while in the WWE.
The Club’s WWE contract is set to expire this summer, and could be a great addition to the AEW roster.
Marty Scurll
Currently signed to Ring Of Honor, Marty Scurll is in line for a major push in the company. He is currently heading his own stable, Villain Enterprises alongside Brody King and PCO.
His contract with Ring Of Honor is set to expire sometime this year, and he could be a welcome addition to the All Elite Wrestling roster, considering his friends in The Elite are already there.
Will Marty Scurll end up in AEW, or will a big money offer from the WWE come his way?
Shane Strickland
Shane Strickland is currently one of the most talented names not signed to a major promotion. He currently is working with Major League Wrestling until his contract situation with Lucha Underground lapses.
The WWE has shown interest in Strickland, offering him a developmental deal, but that was postponed due to issues with his Lucha Underground deal. He will have to wait until that situation clears before signing with the company.
Strickland would be a good addition to the All Elite Wrestling roster if they manage to sign him before WWE does once his contractual obligations with Lucha Underground ends.
Until then he is currently working Major League Wrestling dates.