5 Former WWE Stars Tony Khan Can Hire to Replace Tay Melo in AEW

Tay Melo has been an integral part of the AEW women’s division since 2020. She joined the company during the pandemic era as an enhancement talent. However, with her performance, she made an impact in the women’s division. For the past few years, Melo has been working in the tag team division alongside Anna Jay. However, this week, Tony Khan dropped a bombshell on Tay’s AEW future.

During the AEW Redemption media call, Khan revealed that Tay Melo has asked for her release from the Jacksonville-based promotion. He went on to disclose that Melo is stepping away from the world of professional wrestling. With that, fans are wondering who could be a star who may step into the role of Tay Melo in All Elite Wrestling now that she is on her way out.

In this article, let’s discuss five former WWE stars Tony Khan can hire to replace Tay Melo in AEW:

#5. Zelina Vega

Zelina Vega was released by WWE in April this year. She was involved in some key storylines leading up to her departure from the Stamford-based promotion, indicating that she is a talented wrestler. Following the end of her 90-day non-compete clause, Vega shared a video on her YouTube channel that she is now a free agent who can sign with any other wrestling promotion.

Since then, fans have been predicting that she may end up joining AEW. Over the years, Vega has showcased her spirit of being a true babyface and a heel at times. She could have a distinct role in the AEW women’s division as a potential replacement for Tay Melo. Tony Khan could use her to add a new flavor to the women’s tag team division and the undercard scene.

#4. Alicia Fox

Alicia Fox is a veteran of the WWE Divas division. For the past few years, she was competing in TNA Wrestling and the independent wrestling scene. However, this week it was reported that Fox has been released by TNA Wrestling. Since then, there have been rumors that she may end up joining either AEW or WWE. Many fans think that, to explore a new opportunity, Fox could join All Elite Wrestling.

Alicia Fox has an incredible experience working as a tag team wrestler. She was an important part of The Bella Twins faction in WWE during the Divas era. Besides, considering her name, Fox could be an attraction in the AEW women’s division. She is known for her incredible heel work, which could work against stars like Thekla, Megan Bayne, and Alex Windsor on the roster.

#3. Zoey Stark

Zoey Stark had a decent run with WWE from 2021 to 2026. In April this year, she was released by the Stamford-based promotion. During her time, she worked both as a babyface and a heel in the company. Her most memorable run came with Trish Stratus, where she used to accompany the legend as her bodyguard. Apart from that, Stark is incredible in the ring as well.

Tony Khan can fit her right into the AEW women’s division. Stark could ally with Tay Melo’s current tag team partner, Anna Jay. The former WWE star could help Jay to reach the top, similar to how she used to help Trish Stratus in WWE. Such an alliance has the potential to help Jay become the top star while filling in the void left by Tay Melo in the women’s division.

#2. Kairi Sane

Kairi Sane was released by WWE in April this year following a great run with the company. Sane revealed on her X this week that her non-compete clause has expired, and now she is open to working for other promotions. Since then, fans have been rooting to see her in All Elite Wrestling. The Pirate Princess has an incredible fan following in Japan due to her legacy and talent.

Tony Khan could use her as AEW’s face for the Japanese shows. Apart from that, Kairi Sane is incredibly good in the ring. She has the potential to be a world champion in any company. Her addition to the roster has the potential to change the landscape of AEW’s women’s division. Besides, she could give massive dream matches against stars like Hikaru Shida and Mercedes Mone if she joins AEW.

#1. Dakota Kai could replace Tay Melo

Dakota Kai was released by WWE last year in May. Since then, fans have been expecting her to join All Elite Wrestling at some point. This year in March, Kai competed for EVE Wrestle Queendom VIII against Kris Statlander. After that match, the former WWE star competed in a HOG Wrestling match as well. With that, it can be said that Kai will make her full-time return to wrestling soon.

Considering the fact that All In is just one month away, Tony Khan could bring Dakota Kai in as a replacement for Tay Melo. The former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion has a massive fanbase that would tune in to AEW to watch her wrestle. She has amazing versatility in her character. She can flexibly work as a babyface and a heel. It could be beneficial for the current landscape of AEW’s women’s division.