Since its founding in 2019 by Tony Khan and a group of top wrestlers, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) has quickly grown into a significant competitor to the global wrestling powerhouse WWE. The Jacksonville-based promotion has offered wrestlers a dynamic new platform to showcase their talents, contributing to a rapidly evolving wrestling landscape and intensifying the Tony Khan AEW WWE competition.
Over six years, AEW secured major television deals and signed several high-profile names such as Mercedes Mone, Kenny Omega, and Bobby Lashley. Its ability to stage sell-out events has reinforced AEW’s growing stature in the professional wrestling world.
Key Moves Shaping AEW’s Future for 2026
Despite its momentum, Tony Khan’s AEW has encountered stiff rivalry from WWE in recent times. With ongoing competition expected to escalate, Khan’s strategic decisions could significantly influence AEW’s trajectory in 2026. Notably, three major developments stand out as potential game changers for the promotion.
Bobby Lashley’s Impact Within AEW’s Ranks
AEW made a notable acquisition in 2024 by signing former WWE Champion Bobby Lashley, a move seen as a major boost to its roster. Khan strategically aligned Lashley with MVP and Shelton Benjamin to form The Hurt Syndicate, a powerful faction within AEW. Lashley, historically a top singles star with two WWE World Championship reigns, now looks poised to ascend within AEW’s ranks. A potential World Championship win in AEW could mark a new milestone for Lashley and signal a fresh era under Khan’s leadership.
Bryan Danielson’s Potential Return to the Ring
Bryan Danielson’s journey in AEW has evolved since he stepped away from full-time wrestling after losing the AEW World title at the 2024 WrestleDream event to Jon Moxley. After nearly a year off, Danielson reappeared at All In Texas 2025, delivering in-ring moments as part of AEW’s ongoing storylines.
Currently serving as a part-time commentator, Danielson might return to active competition in 2026. Such a comeback could generate significant excitement, enabling dream matchups that fans have eagerly anticipated, and enhancing AEW’s programming under Tony Khan’s direction.
Bayley’s Possible Arrival: A Shocking Twist for AEW
Among the most talked-about rumors is the potential signing of Bayley, a veteran WWE star known as The Role Model. After a declining period in WWE, Bayley has openly expressed interest in a high-profile match against her longtime friend and current AEW mainstay Mercedes Mone. If Tony Khan successfully brings Bayley into AEW in 2026, it would mark a thrilling new chapter for both the wrestler and the promotion.
Her debut could inject fresh energy into AEW’s storylines, offering fans a captivating blend of established skill and renewed passion within the competitive wrestling arena.
What These Moves Mean for Tony Khan and AEW
The intensified competition between AEW and WWE highlights the evolving nature of professional wrestling, where both companies strive to captivate audiences and attract top talent. Tony Khan’s proactive signings and storyline plans demonstrate his commitment to elevating AEW’s profile and maintaining its status as a formidable contender in the industry.
As AEW continues to develop in 2026, the potential championship run of Bobby Lashley, Bryan Danielson’s in-ring comeback, and Bayley’s surprising arrival all point toward a year filled with landmark moments that could shift the balance between these wrestling giants for years to come.
