In 2026, AEW President Tony Khan has made significant moves to boost the wrestling promotion’s roster by signing numerous high-profile talents such as Jake Doyle, Alec Price, Jordan Oliver, Lena Kross, and the Rascalz. His direction has clearly attracted fan approval early in the year, reflecting an ambitious effort to strengthen AEW’s position in the wrestling industry. Despite this surge, certain original stars have seen their momentum stall under his leadership.
Sammy Guevara’s Decline from Prominence
When AEW launched in 2019, Sammy Guevara was considered one of the company’s foundational stars, especially recognized for his aerial skills. He was positioned as one of the promotion’s four pillars and even captured the TNT Championship briefly. However, as the roster expanded with new signees, Guevara gradually lost his place in the spotlight. Presently, his appearances are mostly confined to AEW’s sister brands ROH and Collision, with limited visibility on AEW Dynamite. This shift suggests that Tony Khan has opted not to continue investing in Guevara’s push due to his inability to elevate his standing further.
Britt Baker’s Absence and Backstage Issues
Britt Baker, the former AEW Women’s World Champion, has been notably absent from television since November 2024. Once a top figure in the female division, her absence signals a significant change in how Khan views her role. Reports indicate backstage conflicts and at least one suspension added to her troubles. Though Tony Khan has indicated a possible return for Baker in the future, the current strength of AEW’s women’s roster and recent signings make it unlikely that she will regain her former status on AEW programming soon. Speculation about a potential WWE move last year has not materialized, leaving her long-term place in AEW uncertain.
Wardlow’s Injury Setbacks Diminish Momentum
Wardlow, known for his powerful build and previous TNT Championship reign, appeared set for a main-event push following his 2022 feud with MJF. Unfortunately, persistent knee injuries have severely hampered his momentum. After a highly anticipated return last year, marked by a surprise attack on Swerve Strickland, Wardlow quickly suffered another injury, putting his comeback on hold again. These recurring health issues have caused doubts about Tony Khan’s willingness to back Wardlow’s rise moving forward, despite the wrestler’s potential to be a top star.
Implications for AEW’s Future and These Wrestlers
The cases of Sammy Guevara, Britt Baker, and Wardlow illustrate the challenges Tony Khan faces in balancing new acquisitions with the original AEW talent. While the company’s expansion and fresh signings bring fresh excitement, it also means that previous stars may lose their position if they cannot adapt or overcome setbacks. How AEW navigates these transitions will impact both the performers’ careers and the promotion’s long-term success. Fans will be watching closely to see if these three figures can reclaim prominence or if Khan’s current trajectory marks a decisive end to their pushes within AEW.
