After recent returns from Swerve Strickland and MJF, there could be more notable names returning to AEW in early 2026.
Mostly returning from injury, there could be some familiar AEW faces on the verge of making a return to the company in the near future.
Here are five more AEW stars that could potentially return soon.
5. Jay White
Out action since March 2025, White rehabbed more than one injury during his time away from AEW.
Originally taking time away after breaking his hand during a match with Kevin Knight, White would also undergo shoulder surgery.
Potentially returning to action in early 2026, White could reunite with the rest of the Bang Bang Gang including another fallen member.
With Colten Gunn suffering a knee injury in July, perhaps the group will finally be back together at full strength in 2026.
Click the next page button below for more
4. Buddy Matthews
After injuring his ankle at AEW Grand Slam on February 15, 2025, Buddy Matthews could be nearing an in-ring return in the coming months.
While there has not been a verified timetable for his return to in-ring action, Matthews’ last update was positive as the star looked forward to getting back into in-ring competition.
Hopefully back in action in the first part of 2026, Matthews could become a solid contender for a singles title on his own.
With some fans hopeful that his return will also mean a reunion with Brody King to perhaps form a new trio with Bandido, the options for future storylines are endless.
Click the next page button below for more
3. Thunder Rosa
Following in MJF’s footsteps, another former AEW World champ that could be making their way to action is Thunder Rosa.
Recently confirming that she is back to training, Thunder Rosa is hopeful for an in-ring return sooner rather than later.
Potentially popping back up in early 2026, Thunder Rosa could be ready to challenge whomever leaves AEW Worlds End as the AEW Women’s World Champion.
At the December 27 pay-per-view event, Kris Statlander will look to defend the title against challenger, Jamie Hayter.
Click the next page button below for more
2. Ortiz
One AEW talent that could be making his way back to the company after a fairly long period of absence is Ortiz.
After last appearing in AEW back in January 2024 and before that in October 2023, Ortiz made a recent in-ring return in the company.
Appearing in dark match ahead of Dynamite taking on HOOK, the veteran star did lose the bout by submission.
While it isn’t clear if there are any solid return plans for Ortiz in AEW, he has competed recently in indie action teaming with Eddie Kingston.
Click the next page button below for more
1. Will Ospreay
Last appearing at AEW/NJPW Forbidden Door 2025 at The O2 in London, England in August, Will Ospreay has remained out of action.
After undergoing surgery on two herniated discs in September, there has been a promising update about Will Ospreay’s potential return.
When Tony Khan recently appeared on the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, he noted that while there wasn’t an exact return timeframe for Ospreay, it was going to be in 2026 with some hopefulness that it could even be in the first half.
While certainly Ospreay is missed in AEW, it could be that his return coming as a total surprise in the future could end up being a memorable AEW moment.
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…