Ricky Starks has become the latest AEW alum to arrive in WWE as the former tag champion debuted during the February 11, edition of WWE NXT. Starks is not the only AEW name to go on to call WWE home, as he follows in the footstps of the following talents:
Cody Rhodes: A founding member of AEW, Cody Rhodes made a high-profile return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in April 2022, reigniting his quest for a WWE World Championship.
Jade Cargill: After a dominant run as AEW\’s TBS Champion, Cargill signed a multi-year contract with WWE in September 2023. She made her in-ring debut at the Royal Rumble in January 2024 and is a two-time WWE Women\’s Tag Team Champion.
CM Punk: Following a tumultuous tenure with AEW, CM Punk made a surprising return to WWE at Survivor Series in November 2023, marking a significant comeback after nearly a decade away from the company.
Penta: Formerly known as Pentagon Jr. in AEW, Penta debuted on WWE\’s Raw in January 2025, securing a victory over Chad Gable. Becoming the Iron Man in this year\’s Men\’s Royal Rumble demonstrates WWE\’s faith in the masked star.
Shawn Spears: After his AEW contract expired at the end of 2023, Spears returned to WWE in February 2024, appearing on NXT and continuing his \”Chairman\” persona. He has since been involved in various storylines, including a notable feud with Ridge Holland.
Blair Davenport: Briefly part of AEW under her real name, Bea Priestley, Davenport signed with WWE in 2021. She won the Women\’s Iron Survivor Challenge in 2023 and moving to the SmackDown roster in 2024 before her recent release from WWE.
Lexis King: After making waves in AEW under his real name of Brian Pillman Jr., Lexis King signed with WWE in 2024. He debuted on NXT, where he is the reigning NXT Heritage Cup holder, and retained the cup on this week\’s NXT against TNA\’s JDC.
Andrade: Andrade returned to WWE in the 2024 Men\’s Royal Rumble match after a handful of years in AEW. He has since gone on to hold the WWE Speed Championship.
Many former AEW names have gone on to hold championships in WWE while some are awaiting their big break. It remains to be seen what direction Starks\’ future takes in the company but his arrival has left fans excited to see what\’s to come.
