Ranking The WWE, AEW Stars Most Likely to Jump Ship to Rival Company in 2023

Between the ongoing negotiations to sell WWE and the continued rise of All Elite Wrestling as a viable wrestling alternative in the United States, there have been ample rumors that performers from both companies would switch employers over the next year.

Between speculation running rampant that Mercedes Moné—formerly known as Sasha Banks—could make her AEW debut at any time and the dirtsheets running with the fact that FTR asked for a few months off, wrestling fans are invested in the possibility that their favorite performers could jump ship.

Here are the wrestlers most likely to switch brands in 2023.

---

1. Shinsuke Nakamura

After WWE Superstar Shinsuke Nakamura performed at the NOAH The New Year 2023 show in a match against The Great Muta, speculation has run rampant that the former New Japan performer could leave WWE when his contract expires.

Nakamura confirmed in 2016 that he had signed a three-year deal with WWE and renewed with the contract in 2019, but it remains unclear how long the agreement keeps him with the company.

One thing that is abundantly obvious is that WWE creative has had nothing for Nakamura in recent months, with his sporadic appearances on SmackDown and NXT leading to nothing in terms of storyline or character progression.

Nakamura is widely considered a creative genius in and around the ring, but his ability to showcase his talent in WWE has been severely limited. After getting a taste of being on top again during his stint with NOAH, the Japanese legend should be considering a jump to AEW.

Under Tony Khan's booking regime, Nakamura will enjoy creative freedom like he never experienced in WWE, something that could fulfill him in a way that Triple H—and the returning Vince McMahon—could never offer.

---

2. Brian Cage

In February, Fightful reported that AEW picked up the one-year contract extension on Brian Cage's deal. After barely being used during his time with the company and airing grievances on social media, most wrestling fans thought he would depart before the extension.

When Cage's deal ends in 2023, WWE should be one of his top suitors.

While Cage is an undeniable force on Dark and Elevation, he could be a megastar on television with the proper booking, character development and mouthpiece. AEW may offer more creative freedom, but WWE will likely put him in a better position because of his elite physique.

Vince McMahon and company have always leaned toward Superstars who look like bodybuilders—i.e., John Cena, Brock Lesnar or Bobby Lashley—and Cage would perfectly fit the mold.

The difference for Cage is that despite his massive size, his ability in the ring makes him a versatile in-ring performer who can have a great match against nearly anyone. With his looks and wrestling ability, Cage signing with WWE would be a major coup for the company.

---

3. Zelina Vega

After being released from her WWE contract because of the company's policy banning wrestlers from working with third-party companies like Twitch, Zelina Vega was rehired in July 2021 and welcomed back with open arms by fans.

While Vega found sporadic moments of success upon her return—always making the most of her opportunities—WWE Creative has failed to create storylines or fully develop her character, eliminating any momentum she had.

Being given the chance to lead the Legado Del Fantasma stable was a monumental moment for the talented performer, but the booking of the group has been lackluster at best. Vega is too good on the mic and in the ring to be an afterthought on Raw, SmackDown or any brand.

Unless Vega is better utilized in the coming months, she could wait until her contract expires and test her options in AEW, where her husband, Malakai Black, works. With many wrestling couples preferring to travel together, Vega could jump ship and find the creative and personal happiness Tony Khan's company offers.

---

For more wrestling talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics or catch the latest episode in the player above (some language NSFW).