Potential Free Agent Additions for AEW Redemption 2026

AEW/WWE

On April 24, WWE implemented a significant round of talent cuts, releasing over 30 wrestlers from their contracts. Consequently, these main roster performers will officially become free agents once their 90-day non-compete clauses expire on Thursday, July 23.

With AEW Redemption 2026 approaching, All Elite Wrestling may seize the opportunity to debut several of these former WWE stars at the marquee event in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Here are eight released WWE stars who could potentially make their AEW debuts at Redemption 2026.

8. The Motor City Machine Guns

Following the recent wave of releases, The Motor City Machine Guns immediately emerged as top candidates for a potential AEW signing. When Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley were previously free agents after their TNA tenure, AEW expressed strong interest, nearly finalizing a deal at that time.

Their arrival would be a fascinating development given the recent growth of AEW’s tag team division. With established acts like FTR, The Rascalz, The Dogs, and The Young Bucks currently thriving, the addition of the Machine Guns would significantly bolster the division’s depth following Redemption 2026.

7. Joseph Sawyer (Joe Gacy)

Among the most surprising cuts were the members of The Wyatt Sicks. The faction, led by Uncle Howdy, was a featured act on Friday Night SmackDown before the group’s members became free agents.

Within that lineup, Joe Gacy—now performing as Joseph Sawyer—appears to be the best fit for the AEW environment. Given his extensive independent background and existing relationships with roster members like MJF, Sawyer could be a strategic acquisition for Tony Khan and a reliable asset for the promotion moving forward.

6. Kay Lee Ray (Dawn Fyre)

Alba Fyre’s release was one of the more unexpected moves in the latest round of cuts. She quickly returned to the ring as Kay Lee Ray in Pro Wrestling EVE, reminding fans of her pedigree as one of the elite performers on the independent circuit prior to her WWE tenure.

With a public endorsement from AEW star and EVE producer Will Ospreay, Ray would be an excellent addition to the women’s division. Her versatility would allow her to excel against a wide array of styles, potentially making her debut at Redemption 2026 a standout moment for the company.

5. Nikki Storm (Nikki Cross)

Nikki Cross also brings an impressive independent resume to the table. While her recent role in The Wyatt Sicks was primarily character-driven rather than in-ring, she remains a decorated performer, holding a former WWE Women’s Championship and three Women’s Tag Team Championships.

Having already acquired the independent promotion PROGRESS since her WWE departure, Cross has shown a keen interest in the business side of wrestling. Should she choose to return to a major promotion, All Elite Wrestling would be the most logical destination.

4. Zoey Serrano (Zoey Stark)

Zoey Stark was arguably one of the most underrated performers released during the latest cuts. Since her departure, she has rebranded herself as Zoey Serrano, signaling a professional reinvention.

Serrano possesses a level of experience and capability that may not have been fully utilized on the WWE stage. A debut at Redemption 2026 could provide the perfect platform for her to showcase her true abilities and connect with the AEW audience.

3. Charlie (Dakota Kai)

Beyond the most recent cuts, there are other available stars who could make a move to AEW. Many fans were shocked when Dakota Kai left WWE in May 2025 after an eight-year tenure across two separate stints.

Now performing as “Charlie,” she has returned to the independent scene and demonstrated that she has lost none of her edge. With praise from Will Ospreay and Kris Statlander, a move to AEW feels like a natural progression where her in-ring technicality would be highly valued.

2. Santos Escobar

Santos Escobar’s status has been a rollercoaster over the last year. After nearly becoming a free agent in October 2025, he re-signed with WWE to a multi-year deal. However, after a period of inactivity and a subsequent run in Lucha Libre AAA, Escobar suffered a torn triceps that required surgery, eventually leading to his release.

Once fully recovered, Escobar would integrate seamlessly into AEW, a promotion that has heavily embraced lucha libre culture through talents such as Andrade El Idolo, Mistico, Mascara Dorada, and The Beast Mortos.

1. Kairi Sane

Kairi Sane’s release in 2026 stands as one of the most shocking exits of the year. A multi-time Women’s Tag Team Champion, Sane is widely regarded as a dependable and high-caliber worker capable of delivering in any scenario.

Her departure interrupted a compelling storyline with Asuka and IYO SKY, leaving her current trajectory open. Recently, Sane began following Tony Khan on social media, fueling speculation that she may arrive at the Redemption 2026 pay-per-view to begin a new chapter with AEW.

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