AEW’s roster is one of the most talented in all of professional wrestling—but talent means little when it’s not being showcased. Between weekly shows like Dynamite, Collision, and Rampage, as well as its synergy with Ring of Honor, AEW has the platform to feature a deep bench of wrestlers. And yet, several top-tier performers—some former champions, others rising prospects—have faded from AEW’s weekly spotlight.
Whether they’re sidelined by injury, filming outside projects, or quietly producing strong work in ROH, these wrestlers are more than ready to contribute. Each brings credibility, story potential, and a unique skill set. In a moment where AEW needs fresh energy, long-term storytelling, and reinvestment in its homegrown core, the answer may not be signing new names—but spotlighting the ones already on the payroll.
Here are 7 male and 7 female AEW talents who should return to weekly television immediately—and why their time away has left a void on screen.
👊 THE MEN
Jack Perry
AEW Résumé: FTW Champion, TNT Champion, former Tag Team Champion (Jurassic Express)
Current Status: Off AEW TV since November 2024; “Scapegoat” heel persona left unfinished
Why He Needs to Return:
Once known as Jungle Boy, Jack Perry transformed in 2024 into “The Scapegoat,” a bitter, brooding villain who walked away from AEW norms. His turn was captivating, and his alignment with The Elite had depth. He captured both the FTW and TNT Titles in his most compelling run to date. But after losing the TNT title to Daniel Garcia, he quietly disappeared. With rumors of a potential feud with Kenny Omega once in the works, Perry’s absence feels like a missed opportunity. A return now—possibly aligned with Don Callis or against Darby Allin—would reignite an unfinished arc and give AEW a much-needed top-tier antagonist.
Sammy Guevara
AEW Résumé: Two-time TNT Champion, ROH Tag Champion, AEW Original Pillar
Current Status: Healthy and active in ROH; hasn’t appeared on AEW TV since October 2024
Why He Needs to Return:
From day one, Sammy Guevara has been a cornerstone of AEW’s identity. Equal parts daredevil and ego, his evolution from Inner Circle showboat to TNT Champion was a wild ride. After stepping away due to concussion concerns and welcoming his first child, he returned in 2025 to ROH, where he won the ROH Tag Titles alongside Dustin Rhodes. But he’s been noticeably absent from Dynamite or Collision. Sammy still has main-event level charisma and elite ring ability. Slotting him into the TNT title hunt or giving him a redemption arc could spark fan investment and remind the AEW audience why he’s still one of their best bets.
Brian Cage
AEW Résumé: FTW Champion, ROH TV Champion, ROH Six-Man Tag Team Champion
Current Status: Recovered from knee surgery; contract active through 2030
Why He Needs to Return:
Brian Cage is built for TV—literally. With his freakish size, explosive speed, and unique look, he’s a natural force in any division. Cage had a solid run in Team Taz and later in The Embassy, capturing multiple ROH titles. But his AEW momentum was halted by a torn knee tendon and subsequent surgery. Now fully recovered and under long-term contract, Cage can return as a dominant singles heel or a reliable trios enforcer. AEW’s heavyweight division needs grit—and Cage is the hammer to swing.
Wardlow
AEW Résumé: Three-time TNT Champion, undefeated streak in 2022, destroyed MJF at Double or Nothing
Current Status: Filming American Gladiators reboot; inactive since March 2024
Why He Needs to Return:
Few had a hotter rise than Wardlow. From the silent muscle behind MJF to the TNT Champion crushing opponents in minutes, Wardlow looked like AEW’s answer to Goldberg. Then came creative stalling, start-and-stop pushes, and eventual disappearance. Part of his absence is due to filming a lead role in the American Gladiators reboot, but when he returns, it should be with purpose. A monster babyface run, a renewed feud with MJF, or even a collision with Will Ospreay could make Wardlow feel inevitable again.
Johnny TV (John Morrison)
AEW Résumé: WWE Tag Champion, IMPACT standout, Lucha Underground icon
Current Status: Sporadic appearances on Collision and ROH; underutilized
Why He Needs to Return:
Johnny TV is a seasoned veteran who brings flare, sarcasm, and insane agility to every role. AEW brought him in as a comedic act with Taya Valkyrie, but his ceiling is higher. He can help anchor Rampage or Collision as a midcard agitator, elevate young talent like Action Andretti, or even join a stable as a sleazy showoff. Johnny TV has more left in the tank—and AEW should find out just how much.
Daniel Garcia
AEW Résumé: ROH Pure Champion, former TNT Champion, standout of the Continental Classic
Current Status: Active but underutilized since dropping TNT Title in April 2025
Why He Needs to Return:
Daniel Garcia has been quietly growing into a top-level technician and fan favorite. His work in the Pure division and TNT Title run showcased both his psychology and crowd connection. His teasing of a full babyface turn, dance gimmick aside, actually added to his charm. Garcia could be AEW’s next great homegrown star, but he needs consistent booking. Put him in a program with Kyle O’Reilly or Swerve, and let the ring work speak for itself.
Action Andretti
AEW Résumé: Shock win over Chris Jericho, current CRU tag member
Current Status: Active in ROH and CMLL; not on AEW TV regularly
Why He Needs to Return:
Action Andretti’s surprise win over Chris Jericho in 2022 made him a breakout prospect. Since then, he’s bounced between ROH and overseas tours, forming a tag team with Lio Rush. He still delivers fast-paced, crowd-pleasing matches, but AEW hasn’t used him in over a year. The solution? Give him a TNT Title chase or throw him into a Trios feud with the CRU. He brings energy—and AEW needs that infusion on Rampage and Collision.
🌸 THE WOMEN
Britt Baker, D.M.D.
AEW Résumé: First breakout women’s star, former Women’s World Champion
Current Status: Off TV since November 2024; recovering from injuries
Why She Needs to Return:
Britt Baker was the division’s foundation. Her charisma, ability to cut scathing promos, and landmark feud with Thunder Rosa put AEW’s women’s division on the map. With AEW’s women’s booking still hit-or-miss, Britt’s return would provide instant star power. Let her reclaim her throne—or put over the next big thing while telling an elite-level story.
Thunder Rosa
AEW Résumé: Former Women’s World Champion, La Mera Mera, unsanctioned classic vs. Baker
Current Status: Recovered from injury; active in ROH Spanish commentary
Why She Needs to Return:
Thunder Rosa’s reign ended with a vacated title. That’s not how it should’ve ended. With her fiery in-ring style and emotional storytelling, Rosa could reignite the division with a redemption arc—or continue her war with Britt. AEW needs passion and urgency in its women’s stories—and Rosa delivers both.
Serena Deeb
AEW Résumé: Former NWA Women’s Champion, ROH Pure division standout
Current Status: Wrestling in ROH, training new talent; not used on AEW TV
Why She Needs to Return:
Serena Deeb is the technical backbone AEW’s women’s division lacks. Her work with Riho, Shida, and Purrazzo elevated everyone. Bring her back to Collision or Dynamite as the veteran wrestler who schools the new generation—or have her challenge Moné in a classic mat-based title match.
Deonna Purrazzo
AEW Résumé: 3-time Knockouts Champion, ROH Pure standout
Current Status: Featured in ROH; last appeared on AEW TV in early 2025
Why She Needs to Return:
The “Virtuosa” was a high-profile signing in 2024 but has spent most of her AEW tenure in ROH. She’s one of the best technical wrestlers in the world, and her slow-burn character fits AEW perfectly. A feud with Shida, Deeb, or Moné could instantly elevate the division’s in-ring credibility.
Hikaru Shida
AEW Résumé: First 3-time Women’s Champion; pandemic-era MVP
Current Status: Inactive due to visa issues; awaiting clearance in Japan
Why She Needs to Return:
Shida is arguably AEW’s most consistent in-ring performer. Her title matches are always crisp, and she’s a reliable babyface or utility player for any feud. When her visa clears, AEW should treat her return like a main event—because that’s what she is.
Diamante
AEW Résumé: Women’s Tag Cup winner, ROH Minion under Athena
Current Status: Active in ROH; rarely featured on AEW TV
Why She Needs to Return:
Diamante brings toughness and credibility to AEW’s women’s undercard. She can brawl, she can fly, and she can lead. Whether as a heel enforcer or gritty babyface, Diamante deserves regular TV time—and a proper shot at singles gold.
Billie Starkz
AEW Résumé: Former ROH Women’s TV Champion; 19-year-old prodigy
Current Status: Active in ROH; hasn’t broken through to AEW TV
Why She Needs to Return:
Billie Starkz is the future of AEW’s women’s division. With youthful charisma and a strong work ethic, she’s already built ROH cred. AEW needs to graduate her to Dynamite or Collision—start small, and let her grow into a star in real time.
AEW doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel—it simply needs to turn its attention back to the talent that helped build its identity. Whether it’s a returning star like Britt Baker, a rising phenom like Billie Starkz, or a recharged monster like Wardlow, these 14 wrestlers each have something to offer that AEW’s weekly programming currently lacks: familiarity, quality, and the ability to tell compelling stories. Bringing them back into the fold isn’t just smart—it’s necessary. Because sometimes the best way to move forward… is to bring the right people back.
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