Live from Tulsa, Oklahoma, the first AEW Dynamite of 2026 will be taking place with a stacked lineup already announced for the program.
While there will be plenty of action on the show, there could also be some surprises that take place in the form of returning stars making their presence felt back in All Elite Wrestling.
From former champions to veteran names, the potential surprise comebacks could be aplenty with a number of major stars currently out of action.
Here are seven potential returns on the first AEW Dynamite of 2026.
7. Andrade El Idolo
Back on the AEW Dynamite: Sixth Anniversary show, Andrade El Idolo made his return to the company following a two-year run with WWE.
However, Andrade was quickly removed from television after WWE sent a cease and desist following his release from the company in September 2025.
After facing a reportedly one-year non-compete clause and getting out of it, El Idolo has since shown up and competed at the recent NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 event.
Following his introduction on the show stating that he was representing All Elite Wrestling, it would not be surprising to see the return of Andrade on the January 7 episode of AEW Dynamite.
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6. Wardlow
At AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2025, Wardlow made his return to the promotion after more than a year away due to injury.
This return was short-lived when it was later revealed that the former three-time TNT Champion suffered a torn pectoral muscle that has kept him sidelined since his brief comeback.
After a few months to recover, fans could see Wardlow make his presence felt once again on the January 7 AEW Dynamite.
Joining the Don Callis Family on his prior return, Wardlow could resume his role with the group starting on the first Dynamite of the new year.
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5. Private Party (Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen)
Since losing the AEW World Tag Team Championships to Hurt Syndicate in January 2025, Private Party have not been seen on the company’s programming.
Amidst their absence from the promotion, reports started to circulate that Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen’s AEW contracts were set to expire at the end of 2025.
However, Private Party were not among the recent talents who were announced as departing the company.
With that in mind, AEW could reintroduce Private Party to television starting with the January 7 edition of Dynamite and thrust them back into the tag team picture.
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4. Thunder Rosa
Following AEW All In: Texas 2025, Thunder Rosa took some time off from the company’s television due to an undisclosed injury.
The former AEW Women’s World Champion is someone who has been missed and could add a lot to the women’s scene right now following the introduction of Women’s Tag Team Titles.
Considering her fiery personality and fighting spirit, Rosa could reemerge as one of the more prominent stars in the AEW women’s division with the right push in 2026.
Whether it be as a popular babyface or a more aggressive heel, Rosa could make for a formidable opponent for either AEW Women’s World Champion Kris Statlander or even new TBS Champion Willow Nightingale.
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3. Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D.
Another absent AEW star who could make for a future challenger for one of the current champions is Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D.
After her return to the company in June 2024, many thought Baker would reassert herself as a top star in the women’s scene. However, this return was short-lived with the former AEW Women’s World Champion getting written off television in November.
Following over a year away from AEW TV, the January 7 edition of AEW Dynamite might finally see Baker’s comeback to the company.
Baker returning would throw everything for a loop and cause ripple effects throughout All Elite Wrestling for the rest of 2026.
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2. Keith Lee
When it comes to lengthy absence from AEW television, no one has been away from the company longer than Keith Lee.
Ahead of AEW Worlds End in December 2023, Lee was removed from the card due to some lingering back injuries.
The former AEW World Tag Team Champion is someone who many fans believed would become a top star for the promotion, so he should be in line for a significant push whenever the time is right for his return.
“The Limitless One” returning on the January 7 AEW Dynamite could prove to be a huge moment that would see him thrusted into the spotlight in a major way.
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1. Jay White
At NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20, Jay White made a surprise appearance for the first time since April 2025 after being sidelined with a shoulder injury.
After taking part in Hiroshi Tanahashi’s retirement ceremony, “Switchblade” could make his comeback to the company and immediately position himself in the main event picture.
White has long been involved in the AEW World Title picture and with his former rival MJF now once again holding the gold, it could be the perfect time for him to make his return.
Becoming yet another star looking to be in contention for the top prize in the promotion, White could put his name in the hat alongside Kenny Omega, “Hangman” Adam Page and Swerve Strickland for the next crack at MJF on the January 7 AEW Dynamite.
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