Fantasy Booking 101 is a column on Pop Break dedicated to our writers wild wrestling imaginations.
This column returns as there has been a mass influx of free agents into the world of professional wrestling. Wrestlers from WWE (including NXT), AEW, New Japan, and TNA have either been released or their contracts have not been renewed.
Luckily, this isn’t pre-AEW or that horrible unprecedented time when wrestling shows were a difficult proposition, there are viable places for all of these wrestlers to work. So, let’s fantasy book where this second batch of 2025 wrestling free agents will land.
If there’s someone who wasn’t included on this list, please let us know in the comments and we’ll write about them in Column #3. Please note, this writer has not seen enough of Javier Bernal, Dani Palmer or Miles Osborne to truly give fair predictions about them.
Please Remember: This is a fantasy booking column. What’s written here are educated guesses, and some are (as our friend Wade Wilson would say) “educated wishes” for these 2025 wrestling free agents will end up. We have zero inside information, nor are any of these to be taken as gospel truth.
Saraya
Destination: WWE
Don’t Rule Out: Retirement
Saraya’s run in AEW came to an end when she secured her release from the company earlier this spring — a bit surprising since her deal was extended. That aside, let’s all be honest with ourselves, Saraya never really fit in with AEW and AEW never really knew how to properly utilize her. It’s best they went their separate ways and to this writer it seems that if Saraya were to continue her in-ring career, she’ll be heading back to WWE. In fact, let’s play a little game of hot take, would any of you be stunned to see her at Evolution 2 exclaiming this is once again “her house?”
Zak Knight
Destination: NXT
Don’t Rule Out: TNA
Zak Knight didn’t exactly have a memorable run in AEW. Outside of a micro-feud with “Cool Hand” Angelo Parker, there wasn’t much to his time there. Ultimately, Zak will end up where Saraya is — whether it be in NXT, the long-rumored NXT Europe or maybe even working with a WWE affiliate like TNA.
Tesuya Naito
Destination: NOAH
Don’t Rule Out: New Japan Pro Wrestling, WWE
In shocking news, Tetsuya Naito’s run in New Japan Pro Wrestling came to an end. New Japan never fully capitalized on the leader of LIJ when he was at the height of his popularity. He should’ve been made the guy well before they did in 2020. He’s obviously taken a physical toll and got surgery according to a social media post. Once he’s healthy it feels like Pro Wrestling Noah would be his destino with Keiji Mutoh in the front office (Naito was one of Mutoh’s final matches before retirement). Working with NOAH also opens the door for Naito to make a WWE appearance, which would be a huge shot across the bow to AEW, and WWE really likes doing that. Can you rule out a New Japan return? Well, read about the next guy for some interesting news.
Bushi
Destination: NOAH
Don’t Rule Out: NXT, New Japan Pro Wrestling
The masked man followed his LIJ leader out of New Japan, despite having just resigned. It was recently revealed the duo would now go by the name Los Tranquilos de Japon. The duo will be a part of Revolution Pro’s Summer Sizzler show on July 25 this year. RevPro has been affiliated with New Japan for a long time, so eyebrows are starting to raise that maybe, just maybe, these two will return to NJPW at some point? Or maybe they just have a great relationship with RevPro and are getting a nice payday. If the return doesn’t happen, Bushi will likely end up where Naito goes. NOAH will present plenty of fresh matches for Bushi, and if the WWE relationship continues, he’d be a great opponent in NXT for someone like Je’Von Evans or Wes Lee.
Abadon
Destination: TNA
Don’t Rule Out: NXT, MLW
“The Living Dead Girl” was tailor-made for TNA. This company loves, loves, loves spooky stuff. So, Abadon will find a spotlight within the warm embrace of Total Nonstop Action. If this does happen, don’t rule out a cameo at NXT Halloween Havoc. In the same vein, could one rule out a WWE run for Abadon? It feels like Evolve and NXT would be a prime destination for them. MLW could also be a landing spot as their vignettes and promotion would lend itself to benefit Abadon.
The Righteous
Destination: TNA
Don’t Rule Out: Main Roster WWE, ROH
The Righteous had some brief, fun moments in AEW and there definitely should have been more opportunities for them with both AEW and Ring of Honor. Alas, this is not the case. Right now, it feels like The Righteous would be perfect for TNA. That company has always loved spooky stuff (remember The Undead Realm saga?) and they need some new blood in the tag division. Their style would fit perfectly in against The Hardys, The Nemeths, The System and The Rascalz. Don’t rule out WWE or a return to ROH either. WWE looks spooky stuff too (their follow-up isn’t the best) and they’d make for good foils to the Wyatt Sicks while also providing unique matches against DIY, Street Profits and MCMG.
Shayna Bazler
Destination: AEW/Stardom
Don’t Rule Out: GCW, Marigold
Shanya Baszler no longer being in WWE is a wild thought especially given she was in an active faction at the time of her departure’s announcement. Sadly, WWE’s main roster creative did too much damage to someone who had a terrific NXT run and is a legit badass. If Shayna continues with wrestling, she should have plenty of offers on her doorstep once her non-compete/contract expires. Ultimately, AEW should be really taking a long hard look at “The Queen of Spades.” Her smash mouth style and legit fight background would be a unique complement to the physical style of AEW’s women’s division and she’d have great natural feuds with all the top stars. AEW should also try and get her on a dual deal with Stardom where she made her bones and allow her to keep working Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport and various independent shows for GCW and her home promotion, AIW.
Leyla Hirsch
Destination: NXT
Don’t Rule Out: Japan, TNA
If there was ever someone who deserves to have a long, title-filled run in Japan, it’s “Legit” Leyla Hirsch. Her initial run in AEW was filled with such promise, but post-injury they never seemed to find a consistent role for her. A long run in Stardom, Marigold, or TJPW would allow her reputation to grow and grow. An AEW reunion is likely out of the immediate future. GCW has already booked her, and her run in Bloodsport should be great. An NXT contract seems likely, as her skills are unique to that roster right now. TNA also is looking for talent, so don’t rule them out either.
Shotzi Blackheart
Destination: AEW
Don’t Rule Out: Main Roster TNA, WWE Return
Shotzi Blackheart was a surprising “non-renewal” for WWE since she is one of the most marketable people in the company. Tanks, helmets, t-shirts and she has a wildly toyetic style. Shotzi has already jumped back in head first into GCW competing in Tournament of Death while also signing to MLW for their summer show. It’s unknown how long that MLW deal will be. However, in an interview with Ariel Helwani she said she wanted to go to AEW but wanted a killer indie run beforehand. She would make a great fit in AEW as she fits that lovable oddball character (who can also wrestle) that cats like Mark Briscoe, Orange Cassidy, and Speedball have all filled in the men’s division. While Willow Nightingale has those vibes, she’s one of the pillars of the women’s division. Ao, Shotzi and her devil may care attitude and wild persona fit AEW way more than WWE. If she’s all in (pun so intended) on AEW and doing the “biding my time till Papa H calls me” thing, she will have one hell of a run in Jacksonville. Don’t rule her out for the Women’s Casino Gauntlet.
Braun Strowman
Destination: Retirement
Don’t Rule Out: TNA, MLW
The big man was another surprise release — especially since it was announced he has a show debuting on NBC this fall…that was produced by WWE. That felt like a natural fit for WWE to keep him around. Braun has been very open the injuries he’s suffered over his career. He has this show. He has a good personality for the media. Is it out of the realm of possibility and for his own long-term that he just hang the boots up? Not at all. But it is wrestling. So, don’t be stunned if you see him pop up in an MLW or GCW or TNA for a short run. Can a third return to WWE be ruled out? No, but maybe in a reduced role, or more of a talking head on pre-shows role.
Dakota Kai
Destination: AEW
Don’t Rule Out: Japan, TNA, Bloodsport
Almost a layup to see her entering the Women’s Casino Battle Royale at All In Texas. She’s someone who was on AEW’s radar before resigning with WWE. Some may see this as “Oh, another former WWE talent who doesn’t want to be there” type scenario. My theory on that. She was released originally when Vince McMahon was in charge, and then the guy who signed her, pushed and (we assume) believed in her called and said “Hey come on back.” If a boss who believed in you asked you to come back and work for them — you’d do it. So, let’s toss that nonsense out the window. Outside of the CBR, could we see a reunion of The Fly Kicks (Kota & Nixon Newell) for the Women’s Tag Belts. Absolutely. With an AEW contract we could easily see time for Kai in Stardom. If AEW is not in the cards, then you bet TNA will be chomping at the bit for her services.
Karl Fredericks (fka Eddy Thorpe)
Destination: New Japan
Don’t Rule Out: AEW, GCW
Karl Fredericks seems like the type of dude who wants to work and would enter himself into a death match tournament because it sounds fun. Do I have any proof to back that up? Absolutely not, it’s just a feeling. Fredericks is a natural fit to return to New Japan, although some have said that road may be a bit bumpy since he was vocal about not being in the G1 a few years back. Listen, it’s wrestling and you can’t rule out returns. In fact, if I’m New Japan, I’m taking Fredericks back in a heartbeat. He fits their style and has a natural story with Bullet Club War Dogs. This also could mean a run with AEW/ROH as he’d be a nice fit as someone who could be a PPV challenger for a title.
Priscilla Kelly (fka) Gigi Dolin
Destination: GCW, TNA
Don’t Rule Out: AEW, MLW
Priscilla Kelly will be just fine. She’s got a lot of indie street cred and TV recognition so indie work won’t be an issue. TNA should be jumping at the opportunity to work with her as she’s already worked in the Knockouts Division. Could we see another AEW cameo in the Casino Gauntlet or an actual run there? Sure. However, I think it’s a total non-stop future.
Elayna Black (fka) Cora Jade
Destination: GCW, NXT
Don’t Rule Out: TNA, AEW
This is the hardest free agent to predict. As Cora Jade she seemed to be a perfect fit for NXT. She also seemed to fit in nicely in TNA as well. She’s already back for a slew of dates with GCW. Her CVV interview definitely painted her in a light where maybe WWE should reconsider their decision. However, despite her saying she’d like to go to AEW — does she have the in-ring to hang? So, I don’t see them as an option at the moment (watch me be wrong). I think she’s got to prove some naysayers wrong about the in-ring and before the year’s out she’ll have a deal with someone.
Alan Angels
Destination: Indies
Don’t Rule Out: MLW, TNA Return
Alan Angels departed TNA after a decent lower midcard run. I don’t see an AEW return on his bingo card nor NXT taking a flier on him just yet. Ultimately, I think the former Dark Order member grinds it on the indies and then eventually gets a look at MLW or a return to TNA.
PCO
Destination: Indies
Don’t Rule Out: TNA Return
Pre-AEW, PCO was a huge commodity. He a nice run at the end of the original Ring of Honor, but since that company was bought by Tony Khan, PCO’s star has faded. His run at TNA was perfectly okay with its height being the Honor No More faction. He left the Digital Media Champion and then smashed the belt at GCW’s return to Hammerstein. TNA could bring him back, but why at this point. GCW will likely use him more, but outside of maybe something in MLW or the NWA, the window for an extended big time has closed.
Mara Sade (fka) Jakara Jackson
Destination: AEW
Don’t Rule Out: Japan, NXT Return
The release of the former Jakara Jackson could prove to be a big-time fumble by HBK and HHH. Already redubbed Mara Sade, she has gone on record saying she wants to prove herself in order to get to AEW. I guess people took Will Ospreay’s words to heart. The ceiling is super high for Sade, and it likely won’t be long before everyone is knocking on her door.
Bear Bronson
Destination: Japan
Don’t Rule Out: MLW, TNA
Hot take: Bear Bronson’s contract not being renewed by AEW might have been the best thing to happen to him. He was definitely slotted into a lower card role despite his talent level and commitment to the Iron Savages bit. If he has the opportunity to go to Japan (which AEW should have done in the first place), he has the chance to reinvent himself and get over big time allowing for a bigger, more fruitful run in the US.
EJ Nduka
Destination: TNA
Don’t Rule Out: NXT, MLW
After his departure from MLW, where he was a top guy, signing with AEW seemed like a natural fit for “The Judge.” However, that was not the case. Don’t rule out a return to MLW for the big man, as a return as a monster heel to dethrone Matt Riddle could do some nice business for M L Dub. TNA is another spot that could use his services, but also don’t rule out a return to NXT.
Gallus (Joe Coffey, Mark Coffey, Wolgang)
Destination: ICW
Don’t Rule Out: Japan, TNA
The Gallus Boys will definitely head back to their home promotion of Insane Championship Wrestling Scotland — giving that whole scene a boost. Japan should be on all three of these men’s minds as they’d make strong additions to any roster. Again, TNA is on the table because former WWE talent is ending up there more and more. Also, any of these three taking on the likes of Eric Young, Eddie Edwards or Steve Maclin would make for good TV.
Oro Mensah
Destination: Progress
Don’t Rule Out: TNA
The former member of Meta-Four was a solid wrestler in NXT, so him being “unsigned” will likely be short-lived. If he hasn’t already, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him return under his old name, Oliver Carter, and resume work with his former promotion Progress over in the UK. TNA loves to bring in UK talent, and if WWE wants to see him in a different setting (without paying him a salary) he could easily wind up there.
