And again, you're giving the WWE far too much credit.
AEW is nothing like the WWE. If anything, they're more like WCW.
There are bits of WCW in AEW, but there are also bits of NJPW, CMLL, and *gasp* WWE! It's a new company, AEW is going to borrow from everybody. It's expected.
Paul wight and Jericho were already established stars with the casuals on TNT before they were in WWE. Paul wight was already appearing in movies for Pete's sake.
You're trying too hard. NOBODY who is channel surfing at 8:00 on Wednesday night will call Paul Wight or Chris Jericho "The Giant" or "Lionheart". It doesn't matter that they worked in WCW 25 years ago, the casuals will remember their last WWE gimmicks, and hopefully keep watching AEW.
Same with all the other incoming guys you mentioned. Aside from Wyatt and strowman, they were all stars in the wrestling world before the WWE. Ric flair was a household name long before he worked with Vince. Cmon man.
Do you think if Hogan to AEW, people would want to see the former AWA superstar? Of course not! Sure guys worked in other places, but Tony's bringing them in based upon what they did RECENTLY.
Last night, you mentioned CM Punk working ROH & TNA. Rhetorical question: do you think that when he makes his AEW in-ring debut, he'll go back to the blonde hair, baggy shorts & Pepsi logos? No, Wacky, he'll look like he did the last time we saw him on tv, because that's what the casuals will remember.