Indi Hartwell: From WWE Struggles to AEW Stardom

: The Rise of AEW and New Opportunities

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has become one of the biggest wrestling promotions in the world, and it has achieved this feat in just six years since its inception. Founded in 2019 by Tony Khan with backing from The Elite (Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, and Cody Rhodes), AEW has established itself as a legitimate competitor to WWE, attracting top-tier talent and providing opportunities for wrestlers who struggled to gain prominence in WWE.

One of the primary reasons AEW has gained such a loyal fanbase is its commitment to giving underutilized talents a second chance. Many former WWE superstars who had lackluster runs in the global juggernaut have found new life in AEW, reinventing themselves and reaching new heights in their careers. One such wrestler who has the potential to do the same is Indi Hartwell.

Once seen as one of the brightest prospects in WWE’s developmental brand, NXT, Hartwell’s transition to the main roster was not as successful as many had hoped. Despite being a former NXT Women’s Champion, her time on RAW and SmackDown was underwhelming, and she was ultimately released in December 2024. Now, as she explores options outside WWE, AEW could be the perfect place for her to thrive.

Indi Hartwell’s NXT Journey: From Breakout Star to Champion

Indi Hartwell first made a name for herself in WWE’s NXT brand. Signed by WWE in 2019, the Australian superstar quickly showed potential as both a singles and tag team competitor. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches, she possessed a unique blend of strength, agility, and charisma that made her a standout performer.

Her Role in “The Way”

Hartwell’s popularity skyrocketed when she became a part of “The Way,” a faction led by Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae. Alongside Austin Theory, the group became one of the most entertaining acts in NXT, blending humor with in-ring excellence. Hartwell, in particular, shined due to her storyline romance with Dexter Lumis, which culminated in one of NXT’s most memorable wedding segments.

Winning the NXT Women’s Championship

While primarily known for her work in tag teams, Hartwell proved she could hold her own in singles competition as well. In 2023, she won the NXT Women’s Championship in a thrilling ladder match, cementing her place in history. Her reign, though not the longest, showcased her ability to carry a division and deliver quality matches against top competitors.

The Struggles of Indi Hartwell on WWE’s Main Roster

Hartwell’s transition from NXT to the main roster in April 2023 was highly anticipated. However, like many before her, she struggled to find her footing in the highly competitive environment of RAW and SmackDown.

Lack of TV Time and Direction

Despite her success in NXT, Hartwell rarely received significant TV time on the main roster. Unlike some NXT call-ups who were immediately pushed into meaningful feuds, Hartwell was often relegated to low-card matches or dark segments. She had potential, but WWE creative failed to capitalize on it.

No Major Storylines

Unlike her time in NXT, where she had engaging storylines, Hartwell’s main roster run lacked direction. WWE failed to integrate her character into the bigger picture, leaving her without a solid feud or storyline to get fans invested.

Her Release from WWE in December 2024

With WWE undergoing several budget cuts and roster reshuffles, Hartwell was released in December 2024. While this was disappointing for many fans, it also opened the door for new opportunities—specifically, a potential move to AEW.

Why AEW Could Be the Perfect Home for Indi Hartwell

AEW has built a reputation as a company that allows wrestlers to showcase their abilities without the restrictions of scripted promos and rigid booking. Many former WWE stars, such as Toni Storm, Ruby Soho, and Athena (Ember Moon), have found new success in AEW’s women’s division. Here’s why Indi Hartwell could thrive in AEW:

1. A More Open Creative Environment

One of the biggest criticisms of WWE’s main roster is its heavily scripted nature. AEW, on the other hand, allows wrestlers more creative freedom. Hartwell has a natural charisma that was evident in NXT, and AEW could give her the platform to develop her character organically.

2. A Strong Women’s Division with Room to Grow

AEW’s women’s division has been steadily improving, with names like Britt Baker, Jamie Hayter, Saraya, and Hikaru Shida leading the charge. However, the division still needs more depth and consistent storytelling. Hartwell could add fresh energy to the roster and potentially become a top-tier competitor.

3. Dream Matches and Potential Feuds

If Hartwell joins AEW, there are several exciting matchups that fans would love to see:

• Indi Hartwell vs. Britt Baker – A battle between two charismatic and technically sound wrestlers.
• Indi Hartwell vs. Toni Storm – A matchup between two former WWE stars looking to prove themselves on a bigger stage.
• Indi Hartwell vs. Thunder Rosa – A clash of styles that could showcase Hartwell’s versatility.
• Indi Hartwell vs. Jade Cargill – A power vs. technique matchup that could elevate both women.

4. The Possibility of Reuniting with Dexter Lumis

One of the most beloved aspects of Hartwell’s WWE run was her storyline romance with Dexter Lumis. While Lumis is still in WWE, there is always the possibility that he, too, could join AEW in the future. AEW has a history of reuniting former WWE duos, and a Hartwell-Lumis reunion could be a fun addition to AEW’s storytelling.

5. Tag Team Possibilities

AEW has been slowly building its women’s tag team division, and Hartwell could be a great fit in this area. She has experience in tag team wrestling, and potential partnerships with stars like Skye Blue, Willow Nightingale, or Anna Jay could bring fresh excitement to AEW’s women’s tag scene.

Challenges Indi Hartwell May Face in AEW

While AEW presents many opportunities, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Here are a few obstacles Hartwell might need to overcome:

1. Standing Out in a Crowded Roster

AEW’s roster is stacked with talent, and many wrestlers struggle to get consistent TV time. Hartwell will need to make an immediate impact to ensure she doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.

2. Adjusting to a Different Wrestling Style

AEW’s wrestling style is often more fast-paced and independent wrestling-inspired. While Hartwell has a solid foundation, she may need to adapt her in-ring style to fit AEW’s dynamic environment.

3. Competing for Championship Opportunities

While AEW’s women’s division is growing, only a select few get regular title shots. Hartwell will need to prove herself quickly if she wants to compete for the AEW Women’s Championship or the TBS Championship.

: The Future Looks Bright for Indi Hartwell

Indi Hartwell’s release from WWE may have been a setback, but it could also be the best thing to happen for her career. AEW has proven to be a great destination for former WWE stars looking to reinvent themselves, and Hartwell has all the tools needed to succeed.

With the right booking, strong feuds, and creative freedom, Indi Hartwell could become one of AEW’s biggest stars. Whether she aims for singles gold, forms a dominant tag team, or continues her fan-favorite storyline with Dexter Lumis, her future in professional wrestling remains promising.

As AEW continues to grow, the addition of Indi Hartwell could be another step in solidifying its women’s division as one of the best in the industry. Now, the only question remains—will Tony Khan make the call?