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While the wrestling world may be focused on WWE's Road to WrestleMania 40 and AEW star Sting's upcoming retirement match, there is a possibility that performers from both companies will move on to other brands in 2024.
All eyes are on Mercedes Mone and Kazuchika Okada and where they sign, but other names such as AJ Styles, Drew McIntyre and Ricky Starks could move into competition. Rumors are flying around.
Here are the WWE and AEW superstars who are likely to leave their respective agencies in 2024.
AJ Styles
Assuming Fightful's report that he signed a five-year deal in 2019 is correct, one of the biggest free agents possible in 2024 would be AJ Styles. If the TNA legend decides to test free agency, AEW should do their best to sign him.
There's no question that Styles has exceeded all expectations since his shocking debut at the 2016 Royal Rumble, bucking the trend of Vince McMahon and company burying other brands' top stars.
But in recent months, Styles has used his in-ring skills to dominate other fighters and has taken a backseat in long-term booking. At 46 years old, it's time for The Phenomenal One to take on new challenges in Dynamite, Rampage, and Collision.
Styles was quickly thrust onto the world championship scene, where he reignited old rivalries with Jon Moxley and Samoa Joe, reformed his stable with The Young Bucks and Kenny Omega, and defeated Daniel Garcia and Darby Omega. He could also fight the next generation like Arin.
Styles has commented that he wants to stay in WWE for the rest of his career, but with things changing behind the scenes in WWE, a change of pace may be just what he needs in the twilight of his career.
Drew McIntyre
According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, one of the worst kept secrets in wrestling is Drew McIntyre's contract negotiations with WWE, with his current contract set to expire in April. He spoke on Observer Radio.
It's been one of the best aspects of WWE programming in recent months, and the possibility of McIntyre testing the open market and showing up in AEW despite likely sliding into CM Punk's position on the road to WrestleMania. There is a gender.
In a world of professional wrestling that lacks extraordinary characters, McIntyre comes across as a legitimate tough guy. With his ability to play as both a reliable heel and face, and his mainstream marketability as a clear international performer, AEW will have a cornerstone piece to continue growing its audience.
Triple H and his team should do everything in their power to keep McIntyre on the WWE roster, but it may not be enough to keep the talented former World Champion from testing himself elsewhere. unknown.
Looking at where things stand today, there's no reason McIntyre couldn't spend a year or two in AEW before returning to RAW or SmackDown.
ricky starks
One AEW performer that many fans speculated would move on when his contract expired was Ricky Starks, largely due to his close relationship with both Cody Rhodes and Jade Cargill. This is due to personal connections.
It's unclear when his contract will expire, but reports surfaced in the fall that WWE was interested. Sign with Starks when he became a free agent. There has been a lot of speculation since the AEW star was spotted at a WWE show last year.
Starks has been a mainstay in AEW, appearing in 15 matches since September 2023, including elite matches against Bryan Danielson and Sammy Guevara, as well as winning the tag team titles with Big Bill.
With Rose winning his second straight Royal Rumble, it's clear that American Nightmare has the support of Triple H and company. With the ears of those in power, Rose will do everything in his power to add his friend to the WWE roster.
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