The modern wrestling landscape has made talent movement more unpredictable than ever, and as contracts edge closer to expiration, 2026 is already shaping up to be a pivotal year for both WWE and AEW. With competition between the two promotions still intense, several high profile stars find themselves at crossroads that could redefine their careers and alter the balance of power in professional wrestling.
One of the most talked about names is Chris Jericho. After doing nearly everything imaginable in AEW, Jericho’s long history with WWE and his legacy status make a potential return hard to ignore. A final WWE run built around nostalgia, major events, and a possible Hall of Fame send off would be a fitting full circle moment if the timing and contract situation align.
Another AEW name frequently mentioned in speculation is Anna Jay. Still young and developing, she could benefit from WWE’s performance system and the spotlight of NXT. With her deal reportedly nearing its end in 2026, WWE may view her as a long term investment in its women’s division rather than a short term signing.
Creative presentation often plays a major role in career decisions, which is why Danhausen continues to fuel rumors. His character driven style stands out in AEW, but WWE’s larger platform and merchandising machine could elevate his persona to a new level, especially if creative freedom and visibility become deciding factors.
From the WWE side, some talent could just as easily look toward AEW for reinvention. Liv Morgan has already proven she can connect deeply with fans, but inconsistent booking has limited her momentum at times. AEW’s women’s division, still evolving, could offer her a fresh environment and more consistent storytelling if she ever decides a change is necessary.
Another name that often surfaces in crossover discussions is Britt Baker. As one of AEW’s most recognizable homegrown stars, her eventual free agency would instantly put her on WWE’s radar. A move would not just be about opportunity but also about testing herself on wrestling’s biggest global stage.
Finally, the growing collaboration between promotions has made transitions feel more natural, which is why Joe Hendry is widely viewed as a future WWE signing. His charisma and crowd connection fit WWE’s presentation style perfectly, and 2026 could be the year that speculation turns into reality.
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