5 Former WWE Superstars Who Became Champions In AEW

The world of professional wrestling is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape where talent often migrates between different promotions in pursuit of their dreams, creative freedom, and championship glory. One such promotion that has taken the wrestling world by storm in recent years is All Elite Wrestling (AEW). AEW has not only provided an alternative platform for wrestlers but has also become a destination for former WWE superstars looking to make an impact and, in some cases, capture championship gold.

In this article, we’ll delve into the journeys of five former WWE superstars who not only made the leap to AEW but also achieved the remarkable feat of becoming champions in their new home.

1. Chris Jericho, AEW World Champion:

Chris Jericho, a wrestling icon with a career spanning over three decades, made history as the inaugural AEW World Champion. His legacy in WWE included holding prestigious titles like the WCW Cruiserweight Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, and the Heavyweight Championship. When AEW emerged on the scene, it was only fitting that Jericho, with his vast experience and star power, would be the one to lend his credibility to the promotion.

Jericho’s reign as AEW World Champion lasted an impressive 182 days before he was unseated by Jon Moxley at AEW Revolution 2020. Jericho’s tenure in AEW not only solidified the promotion’s standing but also demonstrated that established WWE superstars could thrive in this new wrestling landscape.

2. Jon Moxley (Dean Ambrose in WWE) is the AEW World Champion.

Jon Moxley, formerly known as Dean Ambrose during his WWE run, transitioned to AEW and quickly became an integral part of the promotion. While in WWE, he held titles such as the Intercontinental Championship and the WWE World Championship, often in tandem with his fellow Shield members. Moxley’s reputation for resilience and his ability to connect with the audience made him a standout performer.

In AEW, Moxley’s journey saw him take on the role of the promotion’s flagbearer, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Moxley’s matches in nearly empty arenas, with only trainees signed to AEW or the Nightmare Factory as spectators, displayed his dedication to the industry.

Moxley’s reign as AEW World Champion lasted an impressive 277 days before he was dethroned by Kenny Omega in a shocking bout. This encounter marked the beginning of Omega’s reign as the Belt Collector.

3. FTR (The Revival in WWE): AEW World Tag Team Champions:

FTR, which stands for “Fear the Revolt” or was formerly known as The Revival in WWE, consists of Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler. In WWE, they were Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder, respectively. The Revival’s tenure in WWE was marked by their old-school tag team wrestling style and their quest to bring prestige back to tag team championships.

While in WWE, The Revival became the promotion’s first Grand Slam Tag-Team Champions by capturing the RAW, Smackdown, and NXT Tag-Team Championships. Their tenure in the WWE was filled with promise, but it ended on a sour note.

Upon joining AEW as FTR, they quickly became one of the most popular tag teams in the promotion. With the guidance of wrestling legend Tully Blanchard, they held the AEW World Tag Team Championships for 63 days before eventually being dethroned by The Young Bucks.

4. Miro (Rusev in WWE)—TNT Champion:

Miro, formerly known as Rusev in WWE, had a rollercoaster journey in the world of professional wrestling. His WWE career included a dominant reign as United States Champion and the creation of the “Rusev Day” phenomenon. Despite his popularity, Rusev’s WWE run saw underutilization and inconsistent storylines.

Upon joining AEW, Miro took on a new persona as “God’s Favourite Champion.” His TNT Championship reign was marked by dominance and intensity, showcasing his true potential as a singles competitor. Initially introduced as a gamer and the best friend of Kip Sabian, Miro soon emerged as a force to be reckoned with in AEW.

Miro’s 140-day reign as TNT Champion demonstrated his ability to carry a title and solidified his status as a major player in AEW. His journey to promotion continues as he looks to further establish himself as a dominant force.

5. Brodie Lee (Luke Harper in WWE) is the TNT Champion.

Brodie Lee, formerly known as Luke Harper during his WWE tenure, was a unique talent with untapped potential. While in WWE, he held the Intercontinental Championship and various tag team championships alongside Erick Redbeard and Bray Wyatt. Despite sporadic glimpses of his agility and charisma, his WWE run often underutilised his talents.

After joining AEW as the Exalted One, Brodie Lee finally had the opportunity to showcase his personality and in-ring prowess. His reign as TNT Champion lasted 46 days before he lost the title to Cody Rhodes. It was a brief yet impactful tenure that demonstrated his ability to shine as a singles competitor.

Tragically, Brodie Lee’s passing cut short what could have been a remarkable journey in AEW. His legacy lives on as fans remember the Exalted One, who made a significant impact during his time in the promotion.

The journey of these five former WWE superstars in AEW serves as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of professional wrestling. AEW has provided them with a platform to shine, and they have seized the opportunity by capturing championship gold and leaving an indelible mark on the promotion.

These wrestlers not only transitioned from one major wrestling promotion to another but also proved that their skills, charisma, and dedication transcend company boundaries. As AEW continues to grow and evolve, it remains an exciting destination for both established stars and emerging talents to make their mark in the world of professional wrestling.

With each championship win, these former WWE Superstars have added to the prestige and allure of AEW’s titles, contributing to the promotion’s continued success and the excitement of wrestling fans worldwide. The wrestling world eagerly anticipates the future journeys and championship conquests of these talented individuals in AEW and beyond.