Jason Burgos
On Wednesday night, AEW’s ultimate underdog, Darby Allin, did the once unthinkable and reached the professional wrestling mountaintop.
After earning a championship opportunity with a win over Andrade this weekend at AEW Dynasty, Allin immediately cashed in that shot with a matchup against reigning champ MJF on this week’s Dynamite. Following a violent battle, Allin stunned many by unseating the company’s top star to become AEW World Champion for the first time in his career.
It was a feel-good moment years in the making. But considering his history as an underdog, it’s unlikely Allin has a reign that runs for much of 2026. It will probably end in the next couple of months. But which AEW star could end Allin’s dream of being the AEW champion? We take a look at five likely options.
MJF
Don’t be surprised if Allin ends up eventually dropping the title to the man he took it from, MJF, and it could come as soon as next month at AEW: Double or Nothing. Some fans will complain about such a short reign, but his win — and loss — would benefit the brand by showing title changes can happen at any time, and reigns don’t need to be lengthy all the time.
It would not be shocking if AEW course-corrects at some point this spring to set MJF up for big matches at Forbidden Door in June, then AEW: All In London in August.
Kazuchika Okada
When AEW signed Kazuchika Okada left NJPW after a legendary run, and signed with AEW in 2024, the expectation was that he would be in the main event just like he was in Japan. That hasn’t been the case at all, and he has pretty much been a top mid-carder for two years.
The company is paying him big money, and they really need to maximize that value. Pulling the trigger now on a main event push and being the man to dethrone Allin would fit Okada’s character, as well as smartly make him public enemy No. 1 among fans.
Bobby Lashley
After being sidelined for months, Bobby Lashley was finally back on AEW TV this week to get the Hurt Sydicate back in the win column. Sooner or later, Lashley will make his way into the title picture. Now seems like the perfect time.
As one of the roster’s biggest and most powerful athletes, targeting Allin and taking his belt from him just makes sense. Furthermore, Lashley stepping in front of his former faction mate, MJF, to do it would be entertaining.
Brody King
Speaking of the roster’s biggest and most powerful stars, now may be the time to pull the trigger on a Brody King world title run. He and Allin have a deep history and have had many great matches against each other. However, with King now a popular baby face, he may be one of the few talents on the roster who could retain support from fans, even after making Allin’s title reign short.
Will Ospreay
Sooner or later, former IWGP champ Will Ospreay will have AEW World title gold around his waist. It is a sure bet in 2026. Many AEW fans will hope Allin holds on to the belt for several months. Keeping the strap for close to five and then falling to Ospreay in his home country at All In London is probably the company’s plan for this summer.
