In the world of professional wrestling, career moves can make or break a superstar. While AEW has positioned itself as WWE’s biggest competitor, some of its former talent have found even greater success after making the jump to WWE. Over the past few years, several high-profile wrestlers left AEW and shocked the world by capturing championship gold in WWE.
From Cody Rhodes’ triumphant return to WWE as the Undisputed Champion to Ethan Page making waves in NXT, these superstars have proven that their careers reached new heights after their AEW exit. Let’s take a deep dive into **six former AEW wrestlers who left the company and became champions in WWE**.
## **1. Cody Rhodes – The Undisputed WWE Champion**
Cody Rhodes’ departure from AEW in early 2022 was one of the most shocking moments in modern wrestling history. As a **founding father of AEW**, Cody played a crucial role in shaping the company’s identity. He was a multi-time TNT Champion and had memorable feuds, but he was never allowed to chase the AEW World Championship due to a self-imposed stipulation.
**Why Did Cody Leave AEW?**
Despite his deep ties to AEW, Cody felt his mission there was complete. The opportunity to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming WWE Champion was too big to ignore. He made his stunning WWE return at _WrestleMania 38_, defeating Seth Rollins and setting his sights on the top prize.
**Championship Success in WWE**
Cody’s journey culminated at _WrestleMania 40_ when he **defeated Roman Reigns to become the Undisputed WWE Champion**, ending Reigns’ historic reign. The victory not only solidified Cody as a main-event star, but it also marked one of the most emotional moments in wrestling history.
His move to WWE was a career-defining decision—one that **cemented his legacy as a world champion**.
## **2. Jade Cargill – WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion**
Jade Cargill was one of AEW’s biggest breakout stars. As the first-ever **AEW TBS Champion**, she held the title for an astonishing **508 days**, establishing herself as a dominant force in women’s wrestling. However, once she lost the championship, it became clear that she was destined for bigger opportunities elsewhere.
**Why Did Jade Leave AEW?**
WWE provided Jade with a bigger platform, better exposure, and a deeper women’s division to challenge herself. After making her WWE debut, she quickly aligned with top-tier talent and showcased her unmatched athleticism.
**Championship Success in WWE**
Jade wasted no time making an impact, and before long, she **won the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship** alongside a dominant partner. Her move to WWE elevated her to an entirely new level, allowing her to compete on the biggest stage against top stars like Becky Lynch, Charlotte Flair, and Rhea Ripley.
## **3. Ethan Page – The NXT Champion**
Ethan Page was always seen as one of the most underrated talents in AEW. While he had a solid run as part of _The Men of the Year_, he never reached his full potential in AEW’s stacked roster. In search of a fresh start, Page made the leap to WWE, where he quickly proved that he was a **main-event-caliber performer**.
**Why Did Ethan Page Leave AEW?**
Ethan saw limited opportunities in AEW, often being overshadowed by bigger names. In NXT, however, he found himself in a thriving environment that allowed him to showcase his charisma and in-ring skills to a much larger audience.
**Championship Success in WWE**
Ethan Page’s hard work paid off when he **won the NXT Championship**, establishing himself as the brand’s top star. His reign not only revitalized his career but also proved that his decision to leave AEW was the right one.
## **4. Andrade – WWE Men’s Speed Champion**
Andrade’s AEW run never lived up to the hype. Despite his undeniable talent, he was frequently underutilized and lost in the shuffle. A return to WWE felt inevitable, and when it finally happened, Andrade wasted no time in reclaiming his place among wrestling’s elite.
**Why Did Andrade Leave AEW?**
Andrade struggled to gain momentum in AEW, often being left out of major storylines. WWE’s structured storytelling and long-term booking gave him the chance to **shine in ways AEW never did**.
**Championship Success in WWE**
Upon his return, Andrade captured the **Men’s Speed Championship**, showcasing his athleticism in a way that few others could. His ability to blend high-flying maneuvers with technical wrestling made him the perfect fit for the fast-paced division.
Andrade’s WWE comeback was a true redemption arc, proving that **he belonged in the upper echelon of sports entertainment**.
## **5. Lexis King – NXT Heritage Cup Champion**
Lexis King, formerly known as Brian Pillman Jr. in AEW, never found his footing in AEW despite his rich wrestling lineage. After parting ways with AEW, he rebranded himself as Lexis King in WWE and quickly carved out his own legacy.
**Why Did Lexis King Leave AEW?**
AEW’s crowded roster made it difficult for Lexis to receive consistent TV time. In WWE, he was given the opportunity to develop his character and fully embrace his potential.
**Championship Success in WWE**
Lexis King’s hard work and reinvention paid off when he captured the **NXT Heritage Cup Championship**, proving that he was more than just a second-generation wrestler—he was a star in his own right.
His transformation in WWE was a testament to how **the right environment can completely change a wrestler’s career trajectory**.
## **6. Shawn Spears – NXT North American Champion**
Shawn Spears had a rollercoaster career in AEW. After a strong start, his momentum fizzled out, leading him to explore new opportunities. His return to WWE, however, turned out to be one of the best decisions he ever made.
**Why Did Shawn Spears Leave AEW?**
Despite being a talented performer, Shawn Spears never got the consistent push he deserved in AEW. WWE provided him with a fresh start, allowing him to prove that he still had plenty to offer.
**Championship Success in WWE**
Spears shocked the world when he won the **NXT North American Championship**, reminding fans why he was once considered one of the most promising wrestlers of his generation. His reign showcased his veteran presence and ability to **elevate the NXT brand**.
## **Conclusion – AEW’s Loss, WWE’s Gain**
The wrestling industry is always evolving, and for these six former AEW stars, **making the jump to WWE was the best move of their careers**.
– **Cody Rhodes fulfilled his destiny as the Undisputed WWE Champion.**
– **Jade Cargill dominated the women’s tag team division.**
– **Ethan Page reinvented himself as NXT Champion.**
– **Andrade proved his worth as the Men’s Speed Champion.**
– **Lexis King carved out his legacy as the NXT Heritage Cup Champion.**
– **Shawn Spears reminded everyone why he belongs with the North American Championship.**
Their stories serve as proof that **sometimes, a change in scenery is all it takes to reach new heights**. As WWE continues to benefit from AEW’s former stars, it’s clear that the battle between the two promotions is far from over.
One thing is certain—**these champions made the right choice by betting on themselves and choosing WWE**.