All Elite Wrestling

Most wrestling fans are intelligent enough to understand that both AEW and WWE being successful is best for the industry, but there is still a vocal minority that thrives on the angst between the two rival companies.

While a level of healthy competition is good for the wrestling business, performers jumping from one company to the other has created an unpredictable element that has generated interest from both hardcore and casual fans alike.

Here are the AEW and WWE stars most likely to make the jump to a rival company in 2025.

Ricky Starks

Since signing with AEW in 2020, Ricky Starks has emerged as one of the brightest young stars in the industry. As a former tag team and FTW champion, all signs pointed to Starks eventually reaching the world title scene.

The problem for wrestling fans is that Starks hasn't been used in a consistent role on AEW programming since March 2024, with many left speculating that his relationships with Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, as well as his appearances at WWE events, have caused tension behind the scenes with owner Tony Khan.

While his time in AEW could be coming to an end­—rumors state his contract expires in 2025—Triple H and WWE should be ready to sign the 34-year-old as soon as he is eligible to join the company.

Both Rhodes and Punk are likely telling WWE officials all of the positive elements of Stark's skillset, making him a top priority for the company. With better support from the creative team, the AEW star could become a WWE Superstar this year.­­

Indi Hartwell

When Indi Hartwell was released from the WWE in November, it shocked most fans and Hartwell herself, who said, "I didn't expect it, but I took it like a champ," on her social media accounts.

While the decision by WWE was openly questioned within the industry, the 28-year-old Hartwell is just reaching the prime of her career and should be on AEW's radar as a top potential signing for 2025.

During her time with WWE, Hartwell won the NXT Women's Tag Team Championship with Candice LeRae and captured the NXT Women's Championship in April 2023. She was called up to the main roster in 2023 and was immediately lost in the shuffle.

Tony Khan and AEW continue to revamp the women's division, and adding Hartwell would help add not only another talented in-ring performer to the roster, but also a personality that can create marquee storylines and memorable programs.

Britt Baker

When AEW launched, one of the cornerstones of the company's women's division was Britt Baker, who went on to win world titles and main event several important shows.

Unfortunately, lackluster booking and injuries have resulted in 2024 being a forgettable year for the veteran, who only wrestled in five matches. While her bout against Mercedes Mone at All In was well-executed, Baker's character has become stale in AEW.

It's time for Baker to take her talents to WWE.

Under the leadership of Triple H and WWE Creative, the 33-year-old would be able to start fresh, both as a character and in terms of opponents. With the chance to relaunch her career in NXT and acclimate to the company's nuances, a quick move to the main roster would reinvigorate excitement from fans to see her perform.

For more wrestling talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio for all the hot topics or catch the latest episode in the player above (some language NSFW).

After proving wrestling was back in a big way in 2024, both AEW and WWE will be looking to carry that momentum into the new year. One way to ensure stories stay fresh each week is to book tag teams to break up and feud.

One tag team partner betraying the other is an angle almost as old as the sport itself, with the trope still being a cornerstone of good storytelling.

With ample tag teams in All Elite Wrestling and WWE, the opportunities for a breakup are endless.

Here are the tag teams and stables that will break up in 2025.

The Judgment Day

While WWE Creative hasn't missed with its Bloodline storyline, the angles and matches involving The Judgment Day have not been as consistent. With that said, it's time for the group to explode from within.

Now that Liv Morgan has lost the Women's World Championship and the stable looks to be moving away from feuds with Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest, the time is right for Finn Bálor to use the stable's breakup to catapult back into the main event scene.

The Irishman is the biggest star left in the group, but he needs a series of marquee moments to regain his lost momentum. With the relationship between Dominik Mysterio and Morgan possibly hitting the skids, Bálor should steal her away and begin a long-term program.

The Prince should run through JD McDonagh and Carlito, disposing of the lesser members of the group before turning his attention to Mysterio.

Not only should Bálor beat him in the ring and win the feud in conniving fashion, but he should also steal Morgan's heart in the process to leave Mysterio and the stable shattered.

The Acclaimed

The Acclaimed are one of the most decorated tag teams in AEW history, but there appears to be trouble in paradise.

To end 2024, Max Caster started calling himself the best wrestler alive, which visibly frustrated both Anthony Bowens and Billy Gunn.

Tony Khan and AEW may have telegraphed him turning on his teammates, but this story needs a major swerve. Instead of the outspoken Caster turning on his friends, it should be Bowens who grows frustrated enough to attack the rest of The Acclaimed.

Bowens would first battle Gunn, with the younger performer eventually getting the upper hand on his former friend. Then, AEW should turn its attention to the marquee feud between Bowens and Caster.

With Caster carrying the storyline on the mic and Bowens carrying the battles in the ring, the resulting program would be a major story for the company and one of the highlights of 2025 if done correctly.

Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill

When Jade Cargill eventually returns from the neck injury that forced her to finish 2024 on the shelf, the breakup of her tag team with Bianca Belair should happen quickly, with Naomi being the catalyst for the chaos.

Cargill's injury was explained in the storyline via a vicious attack in a parking lot, leaving several possible culprits. Instead of going with a simple angle of having Belair be the attacker, it should be The EST of WWE who convinced Naomi to carry out the beatdown.

With her plan foiled, Belair should attack The Glow for being a pawn in her game and cast her aside before setting her sights on Cargill. The tag team division has been fun, but it's time to let The EST return to singles action and women's world title contention.

Cargill has a bright future, but Belair not fighting for WWE's top prizes is a gross misuse of her talents. The heel turn would also make The Storm a face, which would help her as she gains her own footing as a singles competitor.

For more wrestling talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics or catch the latest episode in the player above (some language NSFW).