At Full Gear 2025, Samoa Joe gained the AEW World Championship for the second time in his profession after brutalizing Hangman Web page in a metal cage match with assist from his Opps secure.
With that win, the Samoan Submission Machine rightfully claimed his spot on the prime of the promotion once more, this time supported by the Opps, the group that would assist him safe a grip on All Elite Wrestling’s prime prize. Having stated that, Joe has but to defend his title in his second reign, and within the speedy future, it appears he’ll face Hangman Web page in a rematch.
Whereas many anticipate the Destroyer to retain the title in opposition to the Anxious Perennial Cowboy, at 46 years outdated, Joe’s time on the prime is probably going restricted, and he is perhaps on his remaining run with the World title. That stated, the Jacksonville-based promotion is not wanting high quality challengers, and on this listicle, we’ll take a look at the subsequent three stars (so as) who’re poised to develop into the World Champion after Samoa Joe.
#3. Swerve Strickland to dethrone Samoa Joe
Swerve Strickland final competed in an AEW match at Forbidden Door 2025, the place he unsuccessfully challenged Kazuchika Okada for the Unified title. After the bout, the Mogul took a three-month break to get better from a knee damage he had earlier. Nevertheless, the New Taste lastly made his return at Full Gear final month to confront Samoa Joe and cease him and the Opps from inflicting extra injury to Hangman Web page.
Though Strickland appears to be supporting the Anxious Perennial Cowboy, who’s primed for a rematch for the World title, it will not be lengthy earlier than the Realest star will get his shot on the Samoan Submission Machine. Notably, Strickland is a former AEW World Champion, having gained the title by defeating Samoa Joe at Dynasty 2024. All issues thought of, there is a good likelihood historical past repeats itself, and it is Swerve who dethrones Samoa Joe to win the World title for the second time.
#2. MJF to defeat Swerve Strickland for the AEW World Championship
Arguably one of many largest heels within the wrestling business proper now, MJF can be one of the crucial bankable stars in Tony Khan’s promotion. Presently, Friedman is on hiatus from All Elite Wrestling whereas filming Violent Evening 2. Nevertheless, the Salt of the Earth is predicted to return quickly, and as soon as he does, he can simply place himself into the World Title image.
At All In: Texas, the Wolf of Wrestling claimed the Males’s On line casino Gauntlet contract, giving him a shot on the World Title. MJF has but to make the most of his alternative and can possible look to money in as soon as he is again. Nevertheless, Maxwell’s speedy focus is perhaps on difficult TNT champion Mark Briscoe, who defeated him in a Tables and Thumbtacks match at All Out 2025. That was the final time Friedman appeared on AEW programming.
Earlier than leaving, MJF had delivered a scathing promo the place he claimed he would return as a extra harmful model of himself and even name-dropped a number of abilities within the firm. Given all of the circumstances, The Salt Of The Earth would possibly take some detours earlier than ultimately claiming his spot as AEW World Champion once more.
#1. Will Ospreay lastly turns into AEW World Champion
Will Ospreay is at the moment recovering from a protracted neck damage that reportedly sidelined him till early 2026. The final time we noticed the Aerial Murderer in motion was at Forbidden Door 2025, the place he led his workforce to victory in a brutal Lights Out Metal Cage match. When he returns, Ospreay will likely be among the many prime stars primed for a shot on the AEW World Championship.
In contrast to Swerve Strickland and MJF, the English star has by no means gained the promotion’s prime prize, and 2026 is perhaps the yr he lastly fulfills his future. That stated, like Friedman, Ospreay will face some hurdles earlier than he can enter the World title image, beginning with in search of revenge on the Dying Riders who (kayfabe) sidelined him at Forbidden Door.
Edited by Karan Raj