AEW Revolution 2026 is almost here, and with the event kicking off the company’s PPV calendar, we could see the occasion marked by some surprise heel turns.
From returning stars that could debut a brand new attitude, to stars currently on TV who are perhaps in need of a change, there are some intriguing choices for which stars may turn heel at the event.
Here are six potential heel turns at AEW Revolution 2026.
6. Buddy Matthews
A surprise return after being out of action due to injury for over a year with an ankle injury, Buddy Matthews could soak in the adoration from the crowd before swiftly kicking them in the teeth.
With Brody King facing off against Swerve Strickland at AEW Revolution 2026, it could be that his former tag team partner proves pivotal in the match finish.
Potentially making a surprise return to cost King the match, Matthews could reveal that not only is he back in action in AEW — but he has also joined forces with a familiar face in Swerve Strickland.
With Swerve recently bringing up Matthews name in an interview with the Battleground Podcast, it could be a clue that the Australian star is on the verge of making his in-ring return.
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5. Kevin Knight
Another potential new ally for Swerve Strickland might be Kevin Knight.
While Knight has a big opportunity at AEW Revolution 2026 when he teams with Speedball Mike Bailey and Mistico to take on the Don Callis Family for the AEW Trios Championship, there could be a big disappointment for fans in Los Angeles.
Potentially turning on the his current JetSpeed tag team partner Mike Bailey and Mistico, Knight could dedicate himself to pursuing more serious violence alongside Swerve Strickland.
With it seeming as though there could be a brand new faction set to take hold on AEW, it would be very fun to see Swerve at the helm with Knight as his right-hand man.
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4. Private Party
After being absent from AEW TV for over a year, Private Party (Marq Quen and Isiah Kassidy) are back in action in the company.
Making a return on the February 11 edition of AEW Dynamite, the tag team could certainly debut a brand new attitude to cement their seriousness about taking over the tag team division.
With Nick and Matt Jackson set to take on FTR for the AEW Tag Team Championship, there could be some interesting twists and turns still to come in the tag division.
Since the big Los Angeles event could host the return of Adam Copeland and Christian Cage to seek revenge on FTR, the match could be a conduit to this surprise.
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3. Kris Statlander
Set to tangle with Thekla once again in Los Angeles, it could be that Kris Statlander comes back with a brand new commitment to vengeance and violence.
Potentially leading to her joining forces yet again with Wheeler Yuta, Statlander could swerve towards the dark side, potentially setting her up to tangle with another familiar foe, Timeless Toni Storm.
With some fans expecting the return of Mercedes Moné at AEW Revolution 2026 as well, perhaps it will actually be Kris Statlander who sells her soul to “The CEO.”
Operating as Mone’s Champion, Statlander could have a lot of fun playing a more over-the-top characterization versus the more earnest, humble version that fans are used to.
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2. Will Ospreay
With Will Ospreay out of action since September 2025 after AEW Forbidden Door, fans will certainly be thrilled to see him when he returns to AEW.
However, if he were to quickly reveal that he had turned to the dark side, there could be a massive shock involved in the memorable moment.
Conversely, it could be another fan favorite who ends up turning to the dark side by the end of AEW Revolution: “Hangman” Adam Page.
Questioning what happened to Hangman since he was last active in AEW, there could be some compelling storylines coming out of the battle in Los Angeles.
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1. AR Fox
Someone else that could make a return to AEW TV and immediately make their dastardly heel persona clear could be AR Fox.
If Swerve Strickland is indeed accumulating soldiers to go to war with either “Hangman” Adam Page or MJF in the coming months for the AEW World Championship — AR Fox could be the perfect get.
With veteran presence and a bond that has certainly been forged through violence between the duo, it would be a welcome reunion to see AR Fox and Swerve back in action.
Recently spotted in action in Ring of Honor against Kazuchika Okada, there could be a return to AEW programming for Fox soon.
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