WWE and AEW Stars Trending Towards Leaving in 2026

The wrestling industry has arguably never been better, with AEW and WWE's competition forcing both companies to create meaningful storylines for fans and properly pay their performers.

Another reason the current landscape is so great is the possibility of Superstars jumping from one company to another, which keeps performers fresh and their feuds unique. Just as it did during the territory days, when a wrestler is stale in one place, they can head to another company and be exciting again.

Here are the WWE and All Elite Wrestling performers most likely to jump ship in 2026.

AEW to WWE

Chris Jericho

While many fans thought former AEW world champion Chris Jericho would return to WWE at the Royal Rumble, the odds are still good that the veteran makes his way back to Triple H and company before the end of 2026.

Reports from several sources indicated his contract expired at the end of 2025, yet he is still listed on AEW's roster page.

In recent months, Jericho has spoken glowingly about WWE, and the combination of the company's possible interest and Triple H's affinity for signing ex-AEW talents makes this a real possibility.

Once he does return, a retirement tour culminating in a career-ending match against Gunther seems likely, which should excite hardcore and casual fans alike.

Danhausen

For a short time, Danhausen and his "very nice, very evil" gimmick were the talk of the wrestling world, but injuries and a lack of creative direction in AEW have stifled any momentum he created.

With his contract reportedly up in February 2026 and his well-known relationship with CM Punk, a jump to WWE once he is a free agent seems likely.

For the marketing giant that is WWE, Danhausen's gimmick and marketability would be a no-brainer for Triple H.

The company has proved in the past that there is room for quirky, character-driven performers—especially in NXT—and the former AEW star could find that the grass is greener in WWE if he makes the jump.

WWE to AEW

AJ Styles

After losing a career-ending match at the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble, AJ Styles teased leaving his gloves in the ring, but instead put them back on, as if to indicate he is not quite done with wrestling.

Reports indicate his WWE contract ends in February 2026, and if he does hit free agency, AEW is the last frontier he has not conquered, as Styles has performed in WCW, WWE, TNA, ROH, and Japan.

Finishing his career in AEW would be poetic justice for his unlikely journey to the top.

Styles acknowledged that before he re-signed with WWE in 2025, he considered signing with AEW, partly due to the existing relationships with the company's top performers. A move to AEW would offer fresh matchups and a chance to put over younger talent before he walks away for good. Even if it's only for one year, his possible run in AEW would be unforgettable.

Bayley

As one of the original Four Horsewomen in WWE, there are few Superstars as mistreated during her 12 years with the company as Bayley.

Rumors have swirled that her contract is up later in 2026, possibly opening the door for the veteran to jump ship to AEW and join her old friend, Mercedes Moné, at the top of the women's division again.

With a new wave of talent rising in WWE's women's division, she may not be positioned as a top focus in the future, which could make the idea of fresh opportunities in AEW more attractive to her.

The AEW women's division has been open to bringing in established stars and giving them high-profile roles, which might offer Bayley new creative opportunities both in the ring and, potentially, as a mentor or coach.

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