3 big predictions for AEW in 2026

All Elite Wrestling is looking to build momentum in Q4 heading into the New Year. Here are 3 big predictions to watch for by the end of 2026.
Samoa Joe Dec.png
Samoa Joe Dec.png

All Elite Wrestling has carved out its position as the number two promotion in the business. There's a lot to look forward to from this company as 2025 winds to an end. But with the next calendar year in mind, here are three big predictions that fans should look for by the end of 2026.

Kyle Fletcher will win the AEW World Championship

Kyle Fletcher is a big deal. In fact, he's becoming a huge deal. In the eyes of many, he has the potential to be the central piece for AEW's future. Some have equated him to a Randy Orton-like figure for the company. While that is big praise, there's room to believe that Flecther has the abilities to be even bigger.

Not only is Fletcher an amazing performer who can work with anyone standing across from him, but he looks the part. Fletcher looks like a million bucks as a sports entertainer. He can transition between the roll of being a psycho-killer in a match, and then come off as a well-composed super villian during promo segments. Fletcher is clearly studying the game and that continues to put him well above some of his peers. 2026 will be the year he captures the AEW World Championship and then he'll stand across from who will be his biggest foil, Konosuke Takeshita.

Samoa Joe will announce his retirement run

Retirements are a big deal in professional wrestling. Sting's epic final run in AEW kicked off a trend of performers from years past looking to get a proper sendoff. Bill Goldberg being one of the latest examples. John Cena's career is a few dates away from being over, and AJ Styles just announced he plans to retire in 2026. He may not be the only one to prepare to hang them up next year. Perhaps this is the year that Samoa Joe decides he's going to step away from being a fulltime in-ring performer.

Samoa Joe remains one of the most beloved men in the business. He delivers a level of believablity that is rare in professional wrestling. However, at 46 years old he is past his prime and also finding more opportunities outside of wrestling. Do not be surprised if Joe announces that his time is soon to be over and gets one more massive run before he hangs up the shorts.

Mercedes Mone will lose the TBS Championship

Mercedes Mone is one of the most important performers on the AEW roster. Push the hate she recieves aside, and it is easy to see how her presence has helped build momentum behind the women's division. As she continues her journey to become the belt collector, the real story to tell is when she finally loses that TBS Championship, and watching her spiral into a descent of madness unlike anything else ever seen.

The big question is who will take that title off her waist. Unless AEW goes out of its way to create a major build for someone, it is hard to see a performer currently on the roster being the on to defeat her. But, there's a certain free agent who is out there that would be a perfect name for this spot and the AEW roster. Enter none other than Dakota Kai.

2026 is going to be a fun and interesting year for all of professional wrestling. Looking ahead, these are three of what will be many predictions to come for AEW.