6 Returns At AEW Dynasty 2026

AEW’s second pay-per-view of the year is set to take place this weekend in Vancouver, Canada, with Dynasty taking place in Rogers Arena.

Ahead of the show, there are a number of potential returns we could see take place at the event.

Here are six returns that could happen at AEW Dynasty 2026. 

6. Kyle O’Reilly

One name that has been teased as potentially making a return at AEW Dynasty 2026 is Kyle O’Reilly.

With the event being held in O’Reilly’s hometown of Vancouver, British Columbia it would make sense to see an appearance from the beloved star.

Having been out of action due to injury since November 2025, it remains to be seen what the future will hold for KOR but fans would certainly be delighted by his return.

If not able to have a full in-ring match, it would be good to see O’Reilly again even if it were more for storyline purposes rather than physicality.

5. Samoa Joe

After losing the AEW World Championship, Samoa Joe has been absent from AEW TV.

Although Joe has been on the injured list, his injury took place during training in January 2026, leaving room for a potential return by AEW Dynasty on April 12.

With a major number one contender’s showdown set for the card between Darby Allin and Andrade to see who will get a shot at the AEW World Championship, perhaps Joe will pop up to make his presence known.

Able to swing the results in whichever favor he prefers, it would be nice to see Samoa Joe return to AEW, potentially still with revenge on his mind directed at Chris Jericho.

4. Wardlow

A return that could reboot a previous intriguing storyline that could happen at AEW Dynasty 2026 might be Wardlow.

After suffering an injury shortly after his return where he aligned with the Don Callis Family at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2025 in August

After being spotted backstage at AEW Revolution, Wardlow could be on the verge of returning after recovering from suffering a torn pectoral muscle.

Since the Don Callis Family has taken some losses as of late, the return of Wardlow could set to reboot feuds with the group both with others and inevitably, with each other.

3. Buddy Matthews

One AEW star that could be set to return to in-ring action sometime soon may be Buddy Matthews.

After suffering a serious ankle injury at AEW Grand Slam Australia in February 2025, Matthews has yet to return to TV.

With the injury ending up more complex than originally believed with a subsequently complex rehab process, Matthews name has been recently floating about.

With Swerve Strickland specifically commenting on his hopefulness that Matthews could be returning to action, perhaps the pair are set to work together in the near future.

2. Jay White

While certain to be a closely guarded secret should there be plans for his return, Switchblade Jay White’s return be a big moment at AEW Dynasty 2026.

After having been out of action since March 2025 after suffering first a hand injury during a match on AEW Collision against Kevin Knight, White has remained out of action.

Taking time to rehab a shoulder injury that had been plaguing the experienced star, there could be a return on the horizon.

Possibly reinvigorating the Bang Bang Gang or going in an entirely different direction, White may be set to challenge for a title in the company soon.

1. Mercedes Mone

After having been humbled in her last appearance on AEW TV, perhaps Mercedes Mone is poised to return with a new attitude.

Having lost a number oi her titles through competition worldwide, recently vacating the APAC Championship has now left the CEO holding zero active titles.

While current AEW Women’s World Champion Thekla is set to take on Jamie Hayter at AEW Dynasty, should she survive the bout — perhaps it could facilitate a babyface turn for Mercedes Mone.

Possibly making a return to challenge the current champ, Mone could fill the void left behind by Timeless Toni Storm for AEW’s fan favorite status.

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