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Penta, Danhausen, and Every Former AEW Talent Signed to WWE

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Steven Harrison | Last updated Mar 3, 2026 11:23 AM ET

There was a touch of irony in the Intercontinental Championship match on the March 2 episode of Monday Night Raw.

Dominik Mysterio, a homegrown WWE talent who “debuted” at just eight years old, fell to Penta after being “cursed” by Danhausen. Both Penta and Danhausen are former AEW wrestlers, highlighting a growing trend of talent moving between promotions.

Penta’s career spans multiple major promotions, including AAA and TNA, but many U.S. fans first discovered him in AEW. His prior AEW exposure was a key factor in WWE’s decision to sign him.

Danhausen is the latest former AEW star to debut on WWE television. Eight years after AEW’s formation, it’s worth taking a look at the biggest names who have made the jump from Tony Khan’s company to WWE.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - FEBRUARY 28: Danhausen debuts in WWE during Elimination Chamber at the United Center on February 28, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Craig Melvin/WWE via Getty Images)

Complete List of AEW → WWE Talent

MONTREAL, CANADA - JANUARY 23: Jade Cargill makes her way to the ring during SmackDown at Bell Centre on January 23, 2026 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Craig Melvin/WWE via Getty Images)

Assessing AEW’s Impact on WWE

Even without commentary, this list speaks volumes about AEW’s influence on WWE’s current product. WWE doesn’t need AEW to exist, but it’s clear that AEW has shaped WWE’s creative decisions and talent acquisitions in a significant way.

Most notably, Cody Rhodes stands out. While he originally made his name in WWE, he co-founded AEW and became the company’s heart and soul in its early years. Now, he is WWE’s top figure—a trajectory that would not have been possible without AEW.

In fact, major moments like “The Greatest Five Minutes in Wrestling History” at WrestleMania 40 owe their existence, in part, to AEW’s influence.

The dynamic between the two companies isn’t quite like WWE and TNA—it’s more reminiscent of the WWF vs. WCW era, with an unofficial synergy that benefits fans and wrestlers alike.