"Former AEW names reshape WWE as Hobbs, Starks, Miro, Black and Mariah May launch new chapters"
The last year has quietly reshaped the wrestling landscape. Several established names who once formed the backbone of AEW have now found new homes in WWE. Some exits were expected. Others caught fans off guard. But each move carried weight.
Here’s a closer look at five AEW stars who made the jump to WWE between 2025 and early 2026, and what their arrivals could mean moving forward.
Powerhouse Hobbs Closes One Chapter, Opens Another
Powerhouse Hobbs spent nearly six years building himself into one of AEW’s most intimidating presences. From dominant tag team performances to his run in the Trios division, Hobbs became a reliable powerhouse who delivered every time he stepped into the ring. When his contract expired in January 2026, he chose not to renew.
Shortly after becoming a free agent, reports confirmed he had signed with WWE. The company had been interested for months, but Hobbs waited until he was fully clear of contractual obligations before making the move. WWE now has a legitimate heavyweight presence with upside, and fans are watching closely to see whether he debuts on the main roster or begins in NXT to build momentum.
Ricky Starks Reinvents Himself in NXT
Ricky Starks’ AEW run was filled with strong mic work and standout singles performances. In 2025, he and AEW quietly parted ways. It didn’t take long for WWE to step in. Once signed, Starks arrived in NXT under a new name: Ricky Saints.
The rebrand signaled a fresh start. WWE often reshapes incoming talent to fit its presentation style, and Saints quickly made his presence felt. He slotted into meaningful matches and began climbing the ranks almost immediately. For a performer known for confidence and charisma, NXT offers a platform to redefine himself before an eventual main roster call-up.
Miro Returns to Familiar Territory
Miro’s departure from AEW had been brewing for some time. He had not been prominently featured on television before his contract was terminated in 2025. That exit reopened the door to WWE, where he previously enjoyed championship success.
His return carries a sense of unfinished business. WWE knows how to position him as a destructive force, and his physical style still stands out in any locker room. While the company kept his early creative direction close to the vest, expectations are high that he will be placed in meaningful feuds rather than drifting through mid-card programs.
Malakai Black Brings Back the Edge
Malakai Black’s AEW exit in early 2025 felt like a turning point. He originally gained widespread attention in WWE before leaving for AEW, so a return always felt possible. When his release became official, WWE wasted little time bringing him back.
Black’s aura remains intact. His presentation leans into psychological intensity, something WWE can amplify with high-profile rivalries. Bringing him back strengthens the company’s depth in the upper mid-card and beyond. If handled carefully, he could slide into main event programs without much adjustment.
Mariah May Starts Fresh as Blake Monroe
Mariah May’s rise in AEW’s women’s division was rapid. She positioned herself as a serious contender and featured in high-stakes matches before quietly exiting the promotion in 2025. Soon after, she appeared on NXT under a new name: Blake Monroe.
The decision to reintroduce her with a new identity fits WWE’s approach to talent integration. Monroe arrived with confidence and immediately set her sights on championship opportunities. The NXT women’s division thrives on fresh personalities, and Monroe adds both ring ability and presence to that mix. If momentum builds, she could be positioned as one of the brand’s key figures moving forward.
A Shift That Speaks Volumes
Taken together, these moves tell a bigger story. WWE has shown a clear willingness to absorb established talent who already have national television experience. At the same time, each of these wrestlers seems eager for a different creative environment.
For Hobbs, it’s about proving he belongs among WWE’s heavy hitters. For Saints, it’s a chance to reshape perception. Miro and Black return with something to prove. Monroe steps into a division that values long-term storytelling.
