Published: 2 hours ago by Jamie Toolan | Last Updated: 8 hours ago by Jamie Toolan
Jamie has been covering the world of wrestling for four years and currently holds the position of Assistant Editor of WrestleTalk.com. During his time working for WrestleTalk.com he has written and published over 4,000 news and feature articles covering events and happenings from WWE, AEW, TNA and a variety of international and independent wrestling promotions.
AEW/WWE
The Wednesday, October 21 episode of AEW Dynamite will see Ilja Dragunov make his in-ring debut for the company when he takes on Speedball Mike Bailey.
“The Mad Dragon” appears to be a perfect fit for the promotion and excitement is naturally high for this next chapter in his career; something that has also been true for other big name free agent signings AEW have made this year like The New Level (Austin Creed & Kofi).
Despite making 25 signings in 2026 alone, AEW may not yet be done in the free agent market, with the following three names potentially also set to arrive before the year’s end:
Kairi Sane
Kairi Sane was a key part of Asuka and IYO SKY’s WWE feud when she was released by the company.
Ever since her WWE release in April, former IWGP Women’s Champion Kairi Sane has been linked to signing with All Elite Wrestling.
Being one of the most talented female in-ring performers around it’s easy to see why Tony Khan would be interested, and during the WrestleDream 2026 post-show press conference he admitted that he is “very intrigued” by Kairi Sane.
Kairi has history with the likes of AEW Women’s World Champion Mercedes Moné, and Thekla has expressed excitement about seeing her join the company. With “The CEO” in need of new challengers for her crown, perhaps we could see Kairi join the hunt for AEW’s top prize before the end of 2026.
Sheamus
Sheamus leaves WWE having never captured the Intercontinental Championship after years of chasing
With four world championships and almost every other WWE accolade to his name, Sheamus has to be one of the biggest names currently available on the free agent market.
While his age (48) may be considered a drawback of AEW bringing him in, many veterans have done some of their best work in the company after joining later in their careers; with Sheamus’ former WWE foe Adam Copeland being one of them.
There is reportedly interest from AEW’s side in Sheamus, and several talents in the company re said to be in favor of the signing, so there are plenty of reasons to be hopeful if you’re a fan of “The Celtic Warrior.”
Bayley
Bayley has won four world championships during her decade on WWE’s main roster.
While not yet a free agent, Bayley has been linked with joining All Elite Wrestling all year long, with reports suggesting her WWE deal is due to expire in late 2026.
Her return to WWE TV last month appeared to suggest that a new deal had been agreed between she and the company, but that is reportedly not actually the case.
With “The Role Model” set to wrap up her feud with Lyra Valkyria next week on Raw, there’s a chance that match could be the last of her 13-year run in the company. If she does indeed depart WWE then AEW would almost certainly be her next landing spot, as a reunion with Mercedes Moné writes itself.
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