The next AEW pay-per-view, WrestleDream, takes place on Saturday, October 18, from the Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis.
Already announced for the show is the culmination of Darby Allin and Jon Moxley’s year-long feud in an “I Quit” match, Hangman Page vs. Samoa Joe, and Toni Storm attempting to reclaim her AEW Women’s Title from Kris Statlander.
AEW pay-per-views remain the surest bet in pro wrestling for top-tier in-ring action, but the company’s major shows usually deliver at least one surprise as well.
Here are five AEW stars could make their returns at WrestleDream.
5. Minoru Suzuki
AEW CEO Tony Khan’s original vision for WrestleDream was to create an event honoring the late, legendary Japanese star Antonio Inoki.
Inoki stands as one of the most influential figures in the history of professional wrestling – the founder of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, he built the promotion by inviting legitimate fighters from other combat sports to face him in worked, realistic-looking bouts
One of Inoki’s protégés, Minoru Suzuki, carried this hybrid philosophy forward, becoming a pioneer of MMA before returning to professional wrestling and creating his own inimical legend.
Given WrestleDream’s origins as a celebration of Inoki’s legacy, we could see AEW pay tribute by bringing back one of his most legendary students – Minoru Suzuki.
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4. Chris Jericho
Much has been made in recent months about the possibility of Chris Jericho returning to WWE.
While that may yet happen, his AEW contract does not expire until the end of the year, meaning there is currently no contractual reason for the legendary star to appear elsewhere.
What, then, are the chances that he shows up at WrestleDream on October 18 – his first appearance since Dynasty in April?
If history is anything to go by, it’s unlikely; Tony Khan has previously allowed wrestlers such as Ricky Starks to simply sit out their deals rather than appear on television once their AEW exits were confirmed.
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3. Hikaru Shida
Besides Toni Storm – who has held the AEW Women’s World Championship a record four times – Hikaru Shida is the second most decorated champion in the division, with three reigns to her name.
However, she has not been seen in AEW since November 2024, having returned to Japan, where she recently starred in a theater production about a wrestler announcing her retirement.
The 37-year-old, though, has made it clear she has no plans to retire – revealing during a livestream on her YouTube channel last week that she has just signed a new contract with AEW.
There is every likelihood we could see Shida return at WrestleDream – perhaps marking the start of her quest for a record-tying fourth reign with the title.
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2. Ruby Soho
Ruby Soho has not wrestled in AEW since February last year, taking maternity leave from the company to have her first child.
However, the 34-year-old star has resumed training over the summer, preparing for an in-ring return.
It appears that her comeback is imminent.
It would not be a surprise to hear Rancid’s iconic Ruby Soho blaring through the arena and see the charismatic star make her return at WrestleDream.
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1. Syuri
For several years now, former UFC fighter Syuri has been regarded as one of the top female wrestlers in the world.
At All In earlier this year, she made her AEW debut in the Women’s Casino Battle Royal, impressing fans with her crisp, strike-heavy offence.
Set for what appeared to be a full AEW run, those plans were unfortunately halted when she was forced to undergo elbow surgery shortly after the event.
Having returned to action in her home promotion, Stardom, in September, Syuri could be ready to return to the US – and we could well see her as soon as WrestleDream.
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