Ex-WWE Star Eva Marie Addresses Potentially Joining AEW

Could Eva Marie end up in AEW? It’s a question that’s floated around ever since her WWE release — and now she’s finally addressed it directly.

While speaking to Chris Van Vliet on February 19, 2026, the former WWE star was asked whether she ever seriously considered joining AEW or working the independent scene after leaving WWE in November 2021. Eva admitted the thought crossed her mind — but not for long: “I mean, I thought about it for a second. I would never say never, for sure.”

While Eva didn’t completely rule out AEW, she made one thing clear: she still views WWE as the top destination in wrestling. Rather than expressing a strong interest in jumping promotions, she pointed to WWE’s production value and presentation as unmatched.

“But it’s difficult when you’ve wrestled for the best company in the world. In my eyes, just from the whole production level, there’s no one better. That’s why they’re number one.”

This comes after Eva previously said on the Unwrapped podcast that she keeps the door open for a WWE return because performing in front of massive crowds gives her a rush she can’t replicate anywhere else.

“I mean, always. I always keep the door open just because I’d be silly not to, you know. And I love performing. There’s nothing like it. If you want to talk about drugs and alcohol, that’s the biggest high. You see it too in superstars—they can’t let it go. Sometimes it’s like, ‘Okay, you should retire,’ but like, you can’t find that high anywhere else because it’s not… The WWE Universe is the best fan base. They’re crazier than ever, but they’re loyal too. So to be able to walk out into a 100,000-like-people arena… where are you going to get that?”

Even after two polarizing runs with the company, Eva continues to see WWE as the gold standard. For now, AEW remains a “never say never” situation — but it doesn’t sound like a move she’s actively chasing.