Had it not been for their newest, all-elite challenger, there's a solid chance the world

of sports entertainment wouldn't have even been entirely interested in signing the following

names to their roster, it must be said.

Their existence has often unintentionally paved the way for a whole host of talented folks

becoming or remaining all WWE since they arrived on the scene in 2019.

So with that in mind, I'm Gareth from Whatculture Wrestling and here are 10 wrestlers WWE

only signed because of AW.

10.

Cole Carter

Fair to admit that the likes of AW Dark and Dark Elevation haven't exactly been appointment

viewing since their creation in October 2019 and March 2021 respectively, it's clear

that Tony Khan's biggest rival has still been keeping an eye on the largely developmental

shows over the last few years.

Look no further than the snapping up of One Cole Carter back in March 2022, on the back

of the eventual Troy 2 Dimes Donovan appearing on both shows, in bouts against all-elite stars

such as Lance Archer and even former WWE legend Paul White, AKA Big Show, as a sign

of the attention WWE were clearly paying to this AW content.

And while the young Carter's impressive work on the independent scene no doubt also played

into WWE's decision to hand him a deal, the rising star being highlighted on AW's

YouTube shows, whilst not under all-elite contract, was likely the biggest reason the

prodigy ended up on the sports entertainment radar.

Carter's time in WWE ultimately came to an end, for now just a few months on however.

...