With the new year fast approaching, there are numerous absent AEW stars that could be set for a return in 2026.
Whether out of action due to injury, or otherwise, these eight names could find themselves back in the mix on Dynamite, Collision or ROH in the coming months.
Here are eight AEW stars that could make their return in 2026.
8. Hologram
With a teaser airing on AEW Worlds End for the return of El Clon, perhaps his counterpart Hologram will also be back in action not long afterwards.
Hologram suffered a knee injury back in September, with it being reported that the injury would keep him out throughout the duration of 2025.
Potentially following after the return of El Clon to become the former’s number one foe yet again, there could be a new power dynamic between the two characters who go hand-in-hand.
With a vignette that aired during AEW Worlds End 2025 Zero Hour noting that El Clon would be back on Collision in 2026 — fans will be hoping that Hologram may not be far behind.
Click the next page button below for more
7. Jay White
Seemingly set for a return from injury at some point in 2026 is Jay White.
Having been out of action since March 2025, White originally was out of action due to suffering a broken hand during a match with Kevin Knight in March, however, it has also been reported that he’s been dealing with a shoulder injury too.
Given that it has almost been a full year since he was last seen, fans will be hoping and expecting a return to action for “Switchblade” sometime in the opening months of 2026.
Potentially re-aligning with the Bang Bang Gang, or alternatively, there could be something entirely different in store for White when he makes his way back to AEW.
Click the next page button below for more
6. Buddy Matthews
One return from injury that could end up shaking up the AEW tag team division in 2026 is Buddy Matthews.
With Matthews out of action for much of 2025, his former Hosue of Black tag team partner Brody King went on to earn championship success with Bandido.
However with Bandido teaming with Mascara Dorada on the AEW Worlds End Zero Hour, and set for a AEW World Title shot against MJF in a few weeks time, perhaps King is set to resume his old partnership with Matthews when the Australian star is fit and able to come back from his ankle injury.
With the return of Matthews potentially being a game changer in AEW, there may be some fascinating stories ahead in 2026.
Click the next page button below for more
5. Adam Copeland
Likely to return sometime in 2026 would be former AEW TNT Champion, Adam Copeland.
While Copeland disappeared from AEW after All Out in September 2025 on the back of his real-life wife Beth Copeland suffering a Spike Piledriver from FTR (Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood), in actuality there was an entirely different reason for his absence.
Filming for his Disney+ series, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Copeland will seemingly be back after filming wraps.
Potentially re-aligning with Christian Cage to target the now AEW World Tag Team Champions FTR, there could be a heated rivalry that comes about in 2026.
Click the next page button below for more
4. Hikaru Shida
One AEW star that hasn’t been kept away due to injury is Hikaru Shida.
With the former AEW Women’s World Champion continuing to make appearances internationally, as well as in a stage production about wrestling — Shida wasn’t battling injury in 2025.
Rather dealing with VISA issues, Shida has recently confirmed that she will be returning to the United States in the near future.
Certainly a contender to rejoin the AEW women’s division in pursuit of a number of AEW titles, Shida could have a huge 2026 ahead.
Click the next page button below for more
3. Will Ospreay
An AEW return that is certain to be massive in 2026 is that of Will Ospreay.
After last appearing at AEW Forbidden Door in London in August 2025, there is a hopeful timeline that could see the star return to action in the first half of 2026.
Certainly poised to be a top contender for the AEW World Championship when he does make his way back, it will be interesting to see who else is in the main event picture.
Potentially able to take on any of the top contenders in AEW, when Will Ospreay returns it will certainly be a major moment.
Click the next page button below for more
2. Queen Aminata
One star that fans are hopeful to see make a return sometime in 2026 would be Queen Aminata.
After being pulled from the inaugural women’s Blood & Guts match due to a neck injury, Aminata may be out of action into the new year.
However with a potential to return sometime in 2026, it could be that it is time for the 29-year-old to shine when she does make her in-ring return.
Potentially showing back up on TV with a brand new character, Aminata could finally capture some championship gold in AEW next year.
Click the next page button below for more
1. Bobby Lashley
AEW’s most recent injury concern is in regards to former AEW World Tag Team Champion Bobby Lashley.
It was reported by Fightful that Lashley is dealing with an injury that could see him miss a significant amount of time. Fans will be hoping that the injury won’t keep the “All Mighty” out for too long, especially when The Hurt Syndicate were looking set to continue their dominance in 2026.
Regardless of who holds the AEW World Championship, it would seem that Bobby Lashley would be a solid challenger for former stablemate MJF if he still holds the gold by the time Lashley comes back.
With Lashley able to serve as a viable threat for any of the championships in AEW — Bobby Lashley could become world champion once again in 2026.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!
Comments.
Loading comments…