WWE, AEW Stars Most Likely to Jump Ship to Rival Company in 2025

Most wrestling fans are intelligent enough to understand that both AEW and WWE being successful is best for the industry, but there is still a vocal minority that thrives on the angst between the two rival companies.

While a level of healthy competition is good for the wrestling business, performers jumping from one company to the other has created an unpredictable element that has generated interest from both hardcore and casual fans alike.

Here are the AEW and WWE stars most likely to make the jump to a rival company in 2025.

Ricky Starks

Since signing with AEW in 2020, Ricky Starks has emerged as one of the brightest young stars in the industry. As a former tag team and FTW champion, all signs pointed to Starks eventually reaching the world title scene.

The problem for wrestling fans is that Starks hasn't been used in a consistent role on AEW programming since March 2024, with many left speculating that his relationships with Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, as well as his appearances at WWE events, have caused tension behind the scenes with owner Tony Khan.

While his time in AEW could be coming to an end­—rumors state his contract expires in 2025—Triple H and WWE should be ready to sign the 34-year-old as soon as he is eligible to join the company.

Both Rhodes and Punk are likely telling WWE officials all of the positive elements of Stark's skillset, making him a top priority for the company. With better support from the creative team, the AEW star could become a WWE Superstar this year.­­

Indi Hartwell

When Indi Hartwell was released from the WWE in November, it shocked most fans and Hartwell herself, who said, "I didn't expect it, but I took it like a champ," on her social media accounts.

While the decision by WWE was openly questioned within the industry, the 28-year-old Hartwell is just reaching the prime of her career and should be on AEW's radar as a top potential signing for 2025.

During her time with WWE, Hartwell won the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship with Candice LeRae and captured the NXT Women's Championship in April 2023. She was called up to the main roster in 2023 and was immediately lost in the shuffle.

Tony Khan and AEW continue to revamp the women's division, and adding Hartwell would help add not only another talented in-ring performer to the roster, but also a personality that can create marquee storylines and memorable programs.

Britt Baker

When AEW launched, one of the cornerstones of the company's women's division was Britt Baker, who went on to win world titles and main event several important shows.

Unfortunately, lackluster booking and injuries have resulted in 2024 being a forgettable year for the veteran, who only wrestled in five matches. While her bout against Mercedes Mone at All In was well-executed, Baker's character has become stale in AEW.

It's time for Baker to take her talents to WWE.

Under the leadership of Triple H and WWE Creative, the 33-year-old would be able to start fresh, both as a character and in terms of opponents. With the chance to relaunch her career in NXT and acclimate to the company's nuances, a quick move to the main roster would reinvigorate excitement from fans to see her perform.

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