The annual AEW Double or Nothing pay-per-view takes place on May 25.
Now in its seventh year, this will be the first time the event has taken place outside of its usual home of Las Vegas or Jacksonville, coming live from the Desert Diamond Arena in Arizona.
Double or Nothing has been known for its surprises over the years, including Jon Moxley’s AEW debut at the inaugural PPV, and last year’s show delivered the unannounced return of former world champion MJF.
With the event known for surprises, here are the stars who could make their returns to the company at this year’s show.
6. Eddie Kingston
Eddie Kingston has been out of action since May 2024 after suffering a serious leg injury in a Last Man Standing match with Gabe Kidd – fracturing his leg and damaging both his ACL and meniscus.
This week, Kingston said he’s not ready to return and won’t be at the pay-per-view, but that hasn’t stopped fans speculating due to how many times in wrestling history comments like that have just been a misdirection.
With Kingston’s long-standing history with Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, and especially Kidd – as the man who put him on the shelf – his surprise return during Anarchy in the Arena would make perfect sense.
Could we be in for another classic Kingston moment at Double or Nothing – just like in 2022, when a bloodied Kingston made his way to the ring carrying a tank of gasoline?
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5. Darby Allin
Darby Allin took extended leave from AEW in January to climb Mount Everest.
Not only did AEW’s thrill-seeking daredevil achieve that monumental feat, he also set a world record – landing a kickflip at 20,000 feet, the highest elevation the trick has ever been pulled off.
Before his hiatus, the early stages of the Death Riders storyline were built around Allin and his attempts to thwart Jon Moxley.
If he’s down from Everest, Double or Nothing could mark Allin’s return to confront Moxley, potentially showing up during Anarchy in the Arena.
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4. Adam Copeland
At AEW’s last pay-per-view Dynasty, Adam Copeland was stretchered out after being brutally attacked by his former allies, FTR.
He hasn’t been seen since, with the storyline injury keeping him off television.
At Double or Nothing, FTR are set to compete in a tag team match against Daniel Garcia and the returning legend Nigel McGuinness, creating the perfect setup for a post-match surprise.
It seems likely this could be the night Copeland makes his return to exact revenge on FTR.
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3. Hikaru Shida
Kenny Omega noted on a Twitch stream this week that he was “cat-sitting” for Hikaru Shida.
He explained her absence from AEW programming since November was due to visa issues that have kept her in Japan.
There’s no word on how much longer she’ll be away, so naturally, Omega bringing it up has sparked conversations about a possible return.
Could we see Shida make her comeback at Double or Nothing?
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2. Wardlow
Wardlow has not been seen on AEW programming since March 2024, when he challenged then-world champion Samoa Joe for the AEW World Title in a losing effort.
The three-time TNT Champion has reportedly been sidelined with a long-term knee injury.
There have been questions surrounding his status for the past 16 months, but he remains with the company – and remains a talent with still-untapped potential.
At 37, the window to capitalise on that potential is starting to narrow, however – a Double or Nothing return could mark his return and the beginning of an overdue push to the top of the card.
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1. Jay White
Jay White was originally scheduled to face Will Ospreay at AEW’s Dynasty pay-per-view, but the match had to be scrapped after White broke his hand in a bout with Kevin Knight.
The storyline explanation for his absence had the Death Riders taking out “The Switchblade.”
While White may not yet be cleared for a full in-ring return, there’s a chance he could appear during Anarchy in the Arena to exact some measure of revenge on Jon Moxley‘s crew.
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