All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has become home to many former WWE superstars. Some of them were once seen as underutilized talent in WWE but have now flourished in AEW. Names like Swerve Strickland and Toni Storm are perfect examples. Alongside them, big stars such as Bryan Danielson and Adam Copeland also chose AEW over WWE to continue their journey.
AEW’s roster also features several wrestlers who once performed at WrestleMania, the biggest stage in professional wrestling. Legends like Samoa Joe, Bobby Lashley, Claudio Castagnoli, Ricochet, and Christian Cage have all competed under the bright lights of WWE’s most iconic event.
While many performers dream of ending their careers with a WrestleMania match, some AEW stars still have unfinished business there. Their return to WWE, even for one final run, could create magical moments. Let’s take a look at a few AEW names who deserve another chance to shine at WrestleMania.
Mercedes Moné: A True WrestleMania Singles Star
Known to WWE fans as Sasha Banks, Mercedes Moné has already made her mark on multiple WrestleManias. However, most of her appearances came in multi-woman matches. Despite seven WrestleMania outings, she never truly got her moment in a high-profile singles victory.
Since leaving WWE, Mercedes has only grown more valuable, becoming a major attraction wherever she wrestles. A return to WWE with a proper singles showcase at WrestleMania would be the perfect way to close her incredible career. Fans want to see the “CEO” have her crowning WrestleMania win.
Dustin Rhodes: One Last Battle with His Brother
For decades, Dustin Rhodes (famously known as Goldust in WWE) gave his all but rarely got the spotlight he deserved at WrestleMania. He was often placed in mid-card or battle royal matches, far from the big storylines.
In AEW, Tony Khan has treated him with more respect, even letting him hold the TNT Championship. Yet, there is one story left to be told: Dustin vs. Cody Rhodes on the WrestleMania stage.
The brothers had an emotional showdown at AEW’s first Double or Nothing, a match many call one of the greatest “brother vs. brother” bouts ever. With Cody now being one of WWE’s top stars, a rematch at WrestleMania would not only be a fitting send-off for Dustin but also a historic moment for fans.
Jon Moxley: The Shield’s Final Chapter
Few wrestling factions have reached the legendary status of The Shield. Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Jon Moxley (f.k.a. Dean Ambrose in WWE) all went on to become global icons.
While the trio clashed in a triple threat at WWE Battleground 2016, fans always felt that such a match should have happened at WrestleMania. Imagine the Shield colliding on the grandest stage, years after their breakup it would be a dream come true.
Moxley has already built a legacy in AEW, but one last WrestleMania appearance could complete his career arc. A Shield showdown at WrestleMania would not only draw massive attention but also give fans the closure they’ve wanted for nearly a decade.
