Published: 2 seconds ago by SP3 | Last Updated: 2 seconds ago by SP3
Born in Harlem, New York and now living in the Bronx, Sid Pullar III aka SP3 is a lifelong wrestling fan who has been covering the industry for over nine years as a podcaster and writer. His passion for the industry has been documented with over 3,000 videos on YouTube and 8,000 written pieces across multiple outlets, such as WrestleTalk, Sports Illustrated and more.
@TruHeelSP3
AEW/WWE
Since the very beginning of the promotion in 2019, AEW has featured several different WWE legends on the roster.
From Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley to Bryan Danielson and Mercedes Moné, these names seem happy in AEW and may close out their careers in the company.
There could be even more WWE legends who follow in their footsteps and make their way to AEW where they close out their storied careers in style.
Here are six WWE legends to potentially retire in AEW.
6. Sheamus
Sheamus hasn’t wrestled since the November 17, 2025 episode of WWE Raw
Sheamus has become one of the most reliable and trusted in-ring workers over the past two decades for WWE.
Over the past 19 years of his career, Sheamus has become a four-time WWE World Champion, three-time United States Champion, four-time Tag Team Champion, a Royal Rumble winner and former Mr. Money In The Bank.
After accomplishing pretty much every accolade he could, it might be time for ‘The Celtic Warrior’ to prove himself outside of the WWE bubble.
Sheamus heading to AEW could open the door for his style to shine in a bigger way where he can have some sensational matches with the likes of Will Ospreay, Jon Moxley, Swerve Strickland and ‘Hangman’ Adam Page.
5. Beth Copeland
Beth Phoenix, under the name Beth Copeland, made her first AEW appearance back at AEW All Out in September
Back at AEW All Out 2025, Beth Copeland made her debut with All Elite Wrestling to help her husband Adam Copeland and Christian Cage get a win over FTR.
The former Beth Phoenix has only made one other appearance with the promotion when she once again helped Cope and Cage get another victory over FTR to win the AEW World Tag Team Titles at Double Or Nothing 2026.
With her impact on the company already, it feels like a no-brainer move for AEW to sign Beth Copeland if they can.
Wanting to join her husband and Cage as their manager, Copeland could have a second license on life in pro wrestling in a new role and in a new company.
4. Carlito
Carlito announced his WWE departure in June 2025.
In June 2025, Carlito announced that he was leaving WWE after his contract had expired.
The former WWE Intercontinental Champion was someone who had gotten a consistent role in The Judgment Day.
However, Carlito’s WWE release has not led to a lot of appearances across the independent scene over the past year.
Carlito heading to AEW would be interesting to see what he can offer at this stage of his career for the fledgling promotion.
3. Bayley
Bayley has won four world championships during her decade on WWE’s main roster.
There has been no one on the WWE roster that has received more attention or discussion about their pro wrestling future than Bayley.
The former WWE Women’s Champion’s contract is set to expire this year with AEW having heavy interest in acquiring her.
Considering her best friend and career rival Mercedes Moné has elevated her career with a similar move, it seems easy for many fans to imagine Bayley doing the same thing.
Bayley signing with AEW would be highly intriguing to see if she could recapture the magic that Moné has been able to achieve during her time in the company.
2. The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods)
Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston parted ways with WWE in May 2026.
On May 2, the wrestling world was left shocked by the announcement that The New Day had agreed to depart WWE after they were asked to take a pay cut.
Ever since the news broke that they were leaving, fans immediately jumped to conclusions of The New Day potentially heading to All Elite Wrestling.
Widely regarded as one of the most beloved duos in wrestling, there has been a strong push from AEW stars in public and behind-the-scenes for Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods to sign with the promotion.
Kofi and Woods could prove to be one of the best free agent signings in AEW history with the potential they have to offer to the tag team division moving forward.
1. Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes served as Executive Vice President of AEW between 2019-2022
Cody Rhodes is one of the founding fathers of All Elite Wrestling as one of the first EVPs of the promotion.
Rhodes’ run with AEW has garnered some criticism, but there should be no doubt that the company should welcome ‘The American Nightmare’ back with open arms if he wants to return.
While he is very happy with his current role in WWE, it seems possible that Rhodes might want to close out his career in the company he was responsible for helping to create.
Cody Rhodes retiring seems quite fitting thanks to his importance to the history of AEW and would be the perfect conclusion to his iconic career.
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