In 2025, Kris Statlander became an AEW Women’s World Champion for the first time and walks into 2026 looking to match her successful run this year.
Looking at the current AEW roster, there are a litany of names who could be in the running to become a first-time world champion in 2026.
From those on the rise to some of the biggest names in the promotion, AEW could add quite a few stars to the list of world champions on the roster over the course of the next 12 months.
Here are eight potential first-time AEW World Champions in 2026.
8. Konosuke Takeshita
After winning the G1 Climax 35 tournament, Konosuke Takeshita went on to defeat Zack Sabre Jr. to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at NJPW King of Pro Wrestling 2025.
Now a world champion in New Japan Pro Wrestling, “The Alpha” has proven himself as one of the best wrestlers in the world today.
Following this massive win, Takeshita might look to match his success in NJPW back in his home promotion of AEW.
Looking to bring the top prize in the company to the Don Callis Family, 2026 might be the year for Takeshita to finally break through the glass ceiling to become AEW World Champion.
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7. Kazuchika Okada
In 2024, Kazuchika Okada signed with All Elite Wrestling after almost two decades with New Japan Pro Wrestling.
The seven-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is a living legend and considered to be one of the greatest Japanese pro wrestlers in history.
Since signing with the company, Okada has been a champion for the majority of his run with AEW, holding the Continental, International and Unified Championships.
With a new year on the horizon, “The Rainmaker” could add one more title to his collection by finally becoming the AEW World Champion in 2026.
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6. Megan Bayne
Since debuting with All Elite Wrestling in January 2025, Megan Bayne has been someone who has seemed on the cusp of winning championship gold.
“The Megasus” has showcased herself to be a threat to any champion on the roster right now.
With her combination of size, strength and intensity, Bayne has been a dominant force for the AEW women’s division that should eventually hold some gold in the company.
After failing in her first title opportunity at AEW Dynasty 2025, it seems appropriate for Bayne to get the job done in the new year and finally capture the AEW Women’s World Championship.
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5. Darby Allin
Heading into 2025, many fans believed this year would be the year for Darby Allin.
After coming up short in his attempts to win the AEW World Title since his debut in 2019, it seemed like Allin was destined to be the man to dethrone Jon Moxley for the gold.
However, Darby played a crucial role in fighting back against The Death Riders, helping Hangman Adam Page get the job done at AEW All In: Texas 2025.
Now that 2026 is about to begin, it should be only a matter of time before Darby Allin finds himself back in the mix for the top prize in AEW and finally win the title that has eluded him for so long.
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4. Willow Nightingale
There is no denying that Willow Nightingale is among the most popular female stars to ever step foot in an AEW ring.
While 2024 featured Willow winning several singles titles, 2025 did not have the same success for the former TBS Champion.
However, Willow formed a new partnership with Harley Cameron called the Babes of Wrath and went on to become the inaugural AEW Women’s Tag Team Champions.
The new year should see Willow finally win the big one and capture the AEW Women’s World Champion, which truly feels like her true potential in this company.
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3. Kyle Fletcher
At AEW All Out 2025, Hangman Page defeated Kyle Fletcher to retain the AEW World Championship in the main event.
After his first pay-per-view main event, it makes sense why many fans believe Fletcher is poised for a huge 2026.
“The Protostar” is coming off the heels of a very successful run as TNT Champion and should be in the running for the top prize in the promotion next year.
At just 27 years old, Fletcher seems destined to become a top star for the company and could solidify that by winning the AEW World Championship in 2026.
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2. Mercedes Moné
Mercedes Moné has been a main event level talent since signing with All Elite Wrestling in 2024.
Starting her massive belt collection, it didn’t take too long for “The CEO” to win the TBS Championship just two months after her AEW debut.
Despite winning 13 titles over the course of the past two years, Moné has failed in her two attempts at the AEW Women’s World Championship in 2025.
After coming up short against Timeless Toni Storm at AEW All In: Texas 2025 and Kris Statlander at AEW Full Gear 2025, the new year should bring a third opportunity that might just be the charm for Moné to win the AEW Women’s World Title.
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1. Will Ospreay
Back at AEW Double Or Nothing 2025, Hangman Adam Page defeated Will Ospreay to win the Owen Hart Foundation Men’s Tournament Finals.
While he failed to punch his ticket for an AEW World Title shot at All In: Texas 2025, Ospreay helped Hangman in his journey to beating Jon Moxley for the gold.
“The Aerial Assassin” has been one of the best wrestlers in the world for several years and feels destined to capture the top prize in All Elite Wrestling.
With AEW All In: London 2026 set for next August, it feels like that pay-per-view might just be the perfect setting for Ospreay to win the AEW World Title in the main event at Wembley Stadium.
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