Top five popular indie stars WWE and AEW should sign in 2024

Both organisations will be going head to head for these signings

Independent wrestlers contribute significantly to the rosters of AEW and WWE by bringing unique styles, new faces, and creative ideas to the game. They come from smaller promotions and provide a lot of expertise and a devoted fan base to the talent pool.

Both organisations improve competitiveness, expand narrative possibilities, and make an investment in the future of professional wrestling by signing these performers. Their efforts add to the industry’s dynamic and constantly changing environment.

Matt Cardona

Matt Cardona, hailing from Long Island, New York, fulfilled his childhood dream by becoming a professional wrestler. His 14-year tenure with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) saw him capture numerous championships. Renowned for pioneering social media promotion, Cardona’s YouTube show, Z! True Long Island Story, ran for 100 episodes, earning him the title of Internet Champion.

His crowning moment came at WrestleMania 32, where he triumphed in a ladder match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Post-WWE, Cardona co-hosts The Major Wrestling Figure Podcast, expanding into live shows, a YouTube channel, and a toy line. Released in May 2020, he remains an Indie wrestler who will do great in both AEW as well as WWE if given the chance to do so.

Miyu Yamashita

Miyu Yamashita, born on March 16, 1995, is a Japanese professional wrestler renowned for her tenure with Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling. Trained by Kyohei Mikami of DDT Pro Wrestling, she emerged as one of the founding members of DDT’s all-female Tokyo Joshi Pro sister promotion in August 2013.

Yamashita swiftly rose to prominence as Tokyo Joshi Pro’s leading star. Her crowning achievement came on January 4, 2016, when she became the inaugural Princess of Princess Champion.

With a remarkable four title reigns and a cumulative 1,239 days as champion, Yamashita solidified her status as the promotion’s ace, leaving an indelible mark on the wrestling landscape. Miyu Yamashita’s exceptional talent, accolades, and experience in Tokyo Joshi Pro Wrestling make her a compelling prospect for both AEW and WWE

Shoko Nakajima

Shoko Nakajima, born on July 19, 1991, is a highly accomplished Japanese female professional wrestler, prominently associated with Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling (TJPW). Within TJPW, she has earned distinction as a former two-time Princess of Princess Champion and inaugural Tokyo Princess Tag Team Champion.

Nakajima’s talents extend beyond TJPW, as she has made notable appearances in various renowned promotions such as Chikara, Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), DDT Pro-Wrestling, and All Elite Wrestling (AEW). As she is an indie right now, she will be a great addition to WWE and AEW Roster.

Effy

Effy is a desirable candidate for both AEW and WWE due to his many contributions to the wrestling business. His time spent wrestling in high-stakes deathmatches and earning the Internet Championship in a memorable triumph against Matt Cardona during his time with Game Changer Wrestling (GCW) demonstrate his flexibility.

Effy is committed to diversity and representation in wrestling, which is in line with the ideals of both AEW and WWE. This is seen by his effort in organising welcoming events like Effy’s Big Gay Brunch. In addition, his accomplishments in tag team competition—such as winning the GCW Tag Team Championship with Allie Katch—showcase his versatility and ability to strengthen the roster of both AEW and WWE.

Matt Hardy

Matt Hardy‘s extensive experience, established legacy, and versatility make him a valuable asset for both AEW and WWE. In WWE, he achieved significant success as part of one of the most iconic tag teams in wrestling history alongside his brother, Jeff Hardy. Their contributions to the tag team division, particularly in TLC matches, earned them widespread acclaim and helped revive interest in tag team wrestling during the Attitude Era.

In AEW, Hardy brings not only his wealth of experience but also his ability to reinvent himself and adapt to different roles. His “Broken” Matt Hardy persona, which gained popularity in Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA), showcased his creativity and willingness to push the boundaries of character development and storytelling. This innovative approach could add depth and intrigue to AEW’s roster, aligning with the promotion’s emphasis on creative freedom and outside-the-box thinking.

Furthermore, Hardy’s established reputation and fanbase make him a recognizable and marketable name for both promotions. His presence would not only attract viewers but also provide opportunities for compelling storylines and matchups, whether as a singles competitor or as part of a tag team.

Overall, Matt Hardy’s combination of experience, versatility, and marketability makes him a valuable asset for both AEW and WWE. His potential contributions to storytelling, character development, and in-ring action would enhance the overall product of either promotion.

In conclusion, indie wrestlers play a vital role in the ongoing evolution of professional wrestling, contributing unique styles, fresh perspectives, and dedicated fan bases to both AEW and WWE. The diverse talent pool they bring from smaller promotions enriches the competitiveness and narrative possibilities within the industry, while also serving as an investment in its future.

Individuals like Matt Cardona, Miyu Yamashita, Shoko Nakajima, Effy, and Matt Hardy exemplify the value and potential that indie wrestlers offer to top-tier promotions. Their versatility, innovation, and commitment to inclusivity make them valuable additions to any wrestling roster, ensuring the continued vibrancy and dynamism of the sport.

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