AEW is eyeing released WWE talent as non-compete clauses near expiration

The Expiration Date Approaches for WWE's April Castoffs

The clock is ticking on the 90-day non-compete clauses of the talent released by WWE on April 24, 2026. That date marks a major shift in the wrestling industry. Over 30 wrestlers were cut in that single day, sending shockwaves through the locker rooms. Now, those performers are preparing for their next moves.

According to a report from WrestleTalk, AEW is looking to capitalize on this free-agent class. The promotion is eyeing several key names for its upcoming Redemption pay-per-view. The event is scheduled to take place shortly after the non-compete clauses expire on July 23, 2026.

Tony Khan has never been shy about signing former WWE talent. But with a roster that is already bursting at the seams, these potential signings will face intense scrutiny. Every spot on AEW television is hard-fought, and new arrivals must make an impact immediately or risk falling into creative limbo.

Trevor Lee and the Search for Mid-Card Stability

Trevor Lee, formerly known as Cameron Grimes, is the most obvious fit for the AEW style. Lee is a veteran of the independent scene who knows how to work high-octane matches. His time in WWE started with immense promise in NXT, where he captured the North American Championship and showed off his range. But his move to the main roster was a disaster of bad timing and creative indifference.

Lee's last televised appearance on WWE SmackDown was a squash loss to Bron Breakker that lasted under three minutes. That match showed how little the creative team had for him. In AEW, Lee would have the opportunity to return to the athletic style that made him a standout in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla and Impact Wrestling. His signature Cave-In double stomp is a visual spectacle that can end a match in an instant.

A match between Lee and Orange Cassidy for the International Championship would write itself. Both men blend comedy with serious in-ring work. Lee also matches up well against Konosuke Takeshita or PAC, giving AEW a reliable worker to elevate the mid-card. However, Lee must shed the goofy, lottery-winner persona he used in NXT. AEW's presentation is sports-centric, and a cartoonish character will fail to connect with an audience demanding high-level athletics.

Raj Dhesi and the Heel Dilemma

Raj Dhesi, the former Jinder Mahal, presents a different challenge. Dhesi is a former WWE Champion who knows how to carry himself like a top-tier star. His release in April was a surprise to many, especially after he was featured in a high-profile Raw segment with Seth Rollins just months earlier. Dhesi has always been a model professional, but his in-ring work has struggled to win over critics.

In AEW, Dhesi could step in as a premier heel. The roster is currently light on traditional, heat-drawing villains who do not rely on cool moves to get over. Dhesi is a master of the basics, using his size and ring presence to make the babyfaces look like underdogs. His Khallas cobra clutch slam is a protected finish that can still generate a massive reaction when hit on a popular star.

But the fit is far from perfect. AEW's core fan base is notorious for rejecting wrestlers who cannot go at a breakneck pace. Dhesi's matches are often slow, methodical affairs relying on chinlocks and outside interference. A twenty-minute match with Swerve Strickland could easily lose the crowd. If Khan signs Dhesi, he must use him as a special attraction or faction leader rather than a weekly in-ring competitor.

Xia Li and the Women's Division Depth

Xia Li remains one of the most underutilized female performers in North America. Her martial arts background gives her strikes a realism that is rare in modern wrestling. In WWE, she was subjected to constant stop-and-start booking, winning two-week mini-feuds before disappearing from television for months at a time. This lack of consistency prevented her from building any real momentum.

AEW's women's division has improved, but it still lacks depth in the mid-card. Mercedes Moné and Athena hold the top titles, but the challengers below them need fresh opponents. Li's spinning heel kick is a devastating finisher that can instantly establish her as a threat. Matches against Hikaru Shida or Serena Deeb would allow Li to showcase her striking ability without having to carry the promo segments.

The major concern with Li is her promo work. AEW has historically struggled to book women who cannot deliver long, live promos on television. If Li is left to cut short backstage segments, she might find herself in the same position she was in WWE. Tony Khan would need to pair her with a manager to ensure she stays on television.

The Danger of the Bloated Locker Room

Every new signing in AEW comes with an opportunity cost. The promotion already has a roster of over 120 active wrestlers, and many struggle for television time. Adding more talent from the WWE cuts will inevitably push home-grown stars down the card. Performers like Daniel Garcia, who is currently negotiating his future, could see their opportunities shrink if veterans take their spots.

Action Andretti and the Martin brothers are already fighting for scrap minutes on Collision. If Khan signs three or four WWE releases, those younger talents will be relegated to Ring of Honor or dark matches. AEW must avoid the temptation to sign wrestlers simply because they are available. A signing must have a specific, immediate purpose in a storyline, or it becomes expensive clutter.

We have seen this pattern before. Keith Lee, Andrade El Idolo, and Miro all debuted to massive ovations, only to fade into the background. If Khan cannot commit to a six-month creative plan for these new signees, the acquisitions are a waste of resources. The company needs to focus on building current stars rather than chasing the temporary high of a debut pop.

Probability Assessment and Expected Timelines

The probability of Trevor Lee landing in AEW is high, sitting at a solid 80 percent. His connection to the locker room and his style make it a logical move. Expect him to debut at AEW Redemption on July 26, 2026, or the following episode of Dynamite. The transition should be seamless, and he could enter a feud immediately.

Raj Dhesi is a different story, with a probability of 40 percent. He may decide that TNA Wrestling offers a better spotlight and a guarantee of main-event billing. If he does sign with AEW, it will likely be on a short-term or per-appearance deal rather than a full-time contract. A debut at Redemption is possible, but a later appearance in the fall is more realistic.

Xia Li sits at a 50 percent probability. She would benefit from a stint in Japan or the indies to rebuild her confidence before stepping back onto national television. If she signs, expect her to debut on Collision rather than the pay-per-view. This would give her time to acclimate to the AEW style in front of a smaller television audience.

The Verdict: A High-Risk, Moderate-Reward Move

AEW is at a crossroads where they must decide between roster expansion and roster refinement. Signing these WWE castoffs is a high-risk move that could alienate the current locker room. However, if used correctly, these performers can fill specific holes in the card. Trevor Lee brings work-rate, Dhesi brings heat, and Li brings striking depth.

The success of these signings will depend entirely on creative discipline. Tony Khan must resist the urge to book them in long, competitive matches against top stars right away. They need to be introduced with clear purposes and immediate feuds. If AEW can manage that, the April releases could prove to be a valuable mid-year injection of energy.