WWE roster cuts: Could released stars join ‘AEW’?

The September 2026 WWE roster cuts have released ten developmental talents, and the 30-day non-compete period for some of them is already ticking. Fans are asking which, if any, of those names might land in AEW once the waiting window closes. The question carries weight because AEW has absorbed several recent WWE releases, and the latest batch includes recognizable NXT and LFG figures.

September 2026 cut list

The released group is Jasper Troy, Wendy Choo, Adriana Rizzo, Zena Sterling, Anya Rune, Braxton Cole, PJ Vasa, Gary Wilson, Ellen Akesson, and Marcus Brown. Fightful confirmed none of the cuts came from the main roster, distinguishing this wave from earlier 2026 reductions.

Most names worked in NXT, Evolve, or the LFG reality series. A few had almost no televised matches and entered WWE through open tryouts or bodybuilding backgrounds, which narrows their immediate market value elsewhere.

Public reaction stayed muted at first. Only Jasper Troy posted a clear signal, writing “30 Days” on X after the announcement and confirming he would rebrand as Kairo D. Reign once free.

Why these cuts happened

TKO Group Holdings trimmed expenses after WrestleMania season and shortened SmackDown to two hours. Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that last year’s “good guy” approach under new ownership gave way to stricter budget reviews in 2026.

Developmental contracts face a shorter 30-day non-compete than the 90-day clause applied to main-roster talent. That timetable speeds the clock for any AEW interest.

Cost-cutting also explains why higher-profile stars such as New Day left earlier this year; once contracts expire or are bought out, the door to another promotion opens quickly.

AEW’s recent signings pattern

AEW has added former WWE wrestlers throughout 2026. Tommaso Ciampa debuted as TNT Champion, and Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods joined at All In London. Both moves drew immediate television attention and pay-per-view buys.

Industry reports from July indicated at least seven recently released WWE wrestlers were already negotiating with AEW. The September cuts enlarge that pool before any of those earlier deals are announced.

Talent relations staff in Jacksonville continue to monitor NXT television and LFG episodes, keeping files on athletes who may become available after the standard waiting period.

Profiles most likely to move

Wendy Choo stands out for her twelve-year résumé, Evolve Women’s Championship reign, and 2018 Mae Young Classic appearance. She is expected to keep wrestling and could slot into AEW’s women’s division or ROH without much adjustment.

Jasper Troy’s athletic background and LFG championship give him a ready-made storyline hook. His new ring name, Kairo D. Reign, already circulates on social media, signaling he plans an active independent schedule until an offer arrives.

Adriana Rizzo carries name recognition from the D’Angelo Family angle on NXT. Multiple injuries slowed her progress, yet her faction experience translates to television segments if AEW chooses to build around her recovery arc.

Lesser-known names and futures

Anya Rune, Zena Sterling, Braxton Cole, and PJ Vasa each logged limited televised matches. Their independent résumés vary, and AEW has shown interest in similar mid-card prospects when storylines need fresh opponents.

Ellen Akesson and Marcus Brown arrived through performance and strength backgrounds rather than wrestling schools. Sean Ross Sapp reported that some talents in this group may step away from in-ring competition entirely once released.

These profiles rarely headline speculation threads, yet past cycles show AEW occasionally signs one or two developmental cuts for ROH tapings or dark matches before deciding on television exposure.

Non-compete timelines

Developmental contracts activate the 30-day clause immediately after written notice. That means the earliest possible AEW appearances for this wave fall in early October, assuming quick negotiations and medical checks.

Main-roster wrestlers operate under longer restrictions, which is why earlier 2026 cuts such as New Day took several months to surface elsewhere. No main-roster names appeared on the September list, so the shorter wait applies across the board.

Agents for the released wrestlers have begun fielding calls from independent promoters looking to book them during the waiting period, creating tape that AEW can review before offering contracts.

Fan and media conversation

Wrestling forums and X threads quickly ranked Wendy Choo and Jasper Troy as the likeliest to land on Dynamite. Some fans suggested tag-team roles for Cole and Vasa if AEW needs new teams for Collision tapings.

Podcast coverage stayed factual. Fightful and Cageside Seats published the full list within hours, and most discussion centered on contract language rather than dramatic speculation.

AEW’s official channels have not commented, following the company’s pattern of letting signings surface through in-ring debuts rather than press releases.

Contract and pay factors

Developmental pay sits well below main-roster figures, so released wrestlers often accept modest AEW deals that still exceed NXT salaries. AEW can also offer reduced house-show schedules, an attractive option for athletes managing prior injuries like Rizzo.

Creative freedom appears in most negotiations. Former WWE talent has cited frustration with restrictive promo scripts, and AEW’s track record of granting input on character direction remains a selling point.

Merchandise splits and pay-per-view bonuses add further incentive. The combination keeps AEW competitive even when WWE attempts to re-sign talent at the last minute.

Next steps for both sides

AEW holds television tapings in early October that could accommodate surprise appearances once the non-compete window closes. Producers will likely test several names on dark matches before committing to on-air angles.

Meanwhile, the released wrestlers can accept independent bookings, film promos under new names, and maintain ring rust levels that satisfy AEW’s medical staff. Jasper Troy’s quick rebrand shows how fast some intend to stay visible.

Nothing is confirmed yet, but the pattern of recent signings and the short 30-day wait make an AEW debut for at least one name from this WWE roster cuts wave probable before the end of the year.

Looking ahead

TKO’s ongoing budget reviews suggest additional WWE roster cuts could follow before WrestleMania 43. AEW’s willingness to absorb talent released under those reviews keeps the two promotions linked whenever contracts expire, giving fans a reliable pipeline of new arrivals each fall.