Early Match Predictions For AEW WrestleDream 2026

The next PPV on the AEW calendar comes in the form of WrestleDream 2026, when the promotion takes over the Addition Financial Arena in Orlando, Florida on October 17. There have already been some matches officially announced for the card in the form of Mercedes Mone vs. Thekla, The Young Bucks vs. Kyle Fletcher & Kevin Knight, and Will Ospreay defending his AEW World Title in a Clockwork Carnage matchup.

When assessing all of the fallout from All Out 2026, plus recent ongoing across AEW programming and some educated guesswork, it is interesting to look at what the WrestleDream 2026 line-up may end up looking like.

6

The Brawling Birds Vs. Sisters Of Sin (AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championships)

• Sisters Of Sin are champions in Stardom.
• Brawling Birds won tag titles at All In.
• They recently defeated Divine Dominion.

The Brawling Birds have finally thwarted Divine Dominion once and for all, beating the dominant duo at both AEW All In & All Out to cement themselves as the AEW Women’s World Tag Team Champions. Going forwards, new challengers will emerge, and one of the likeliest contenders comes in the form of the reigning Artist Of Stardom Champions, Julia Hart & Skye Blue.

These teams have battled a few times through 2026 in a variety of multi-woman tags, so they are no strangers to each other.

5

Jon Moxley Vs. Wardlow (AEW Continental Championship)

• Wardlow returned to AEW programming recently.
• Jon Moxley fired some shots at Wardlow on commentary.
• A major PPV match could bring Wardlow back to his best.

After over a year since his previous appearance in AEW, Wardlow returned to compete on AEW Dynamite recently, aligning once again with the Don Callis Family. During his in-ring return he battled The Death Riders, and just so happened to be on the receiving end of some shots from Jon Moxley on commentary. This could simply be a one-off and mean little, but it could also open the door to a singles match.

If AEW is serious on booking Wardlow, then pairing him with a man who brings the best out of everyone he steps foot in the ring with in the form of Jon Moxley would be a great way to build some momentum and put some spotlight upon him. Moxley’s next singles feud isn’t entirely clear after his loss to Will Ospreay, so this could be his next step.

4

Swerve Strickland & New Level Vs. Adam Page & Brodido (AEW World Trios Championships, Street Fight)

• Strickland & New Level defeated Adam Page & Brodido at All Out.
• AEW has continued the feud between these teams.
• A Street Fight would be the next logical step in this feud.

At AEW All Out 2026, Swerve Strickland & The New Level defeated Adam Page & Brodido in a show-stealer, winning the match clean. However, with Kofi scheduled to wrestle Bandido for the ROH World Title, this feud is continuing, suggesting that a rematch could be in store.

Given how good their initial match was, it would make sense to throw these six men back in the ring together to deliver another banger, this time with a stipulation attached. Whether it be a Street Fight, Falls Count Anywhere, or something more, the stakes will be risen.

3

Persephone Vs. Thunder Rosa (TBS Championship)

• Persephone has been on a dominant run as TBS Champion.
• Rosa and Persephone have had issues in AEW.
• There are no other clear challengers for Persephone heading into WrestleDream 2026.

After winning the TBS Championship at All In, Persephone has fended off multiple challengers. At WrestleDream 2026, she could be faced with her toughest test yet against current rival and former world champion, Thunder Rosa.

Rosa and Persephone have been at odds for quite some time, meeting in tag team bouts over recent weeks. At some point in time, the trigger will be pulled on a singles match, and that will come with the TBS Title on the line. Expect to see Rosa’s long-time rival, Britt Baker, get involved.

2

FTR Vs. Motor City Machine Guns

• Motor City Machine Guns haven’t got going in AEW yet.
• FTR recently lost a match for the AEW World Tag Team Titles.
• This could be a banger match at WrestleDream 2026.

On the back of their loss at All Out, FTR will need something to do in the tag team division. Waiting for them is a duo who have yet to really cement their place in AEW, The Motor City Machine Guns. It feels as though the pair have been biding their team before being thrust into the mix, and a rivalry against FTR can really elevate their standing in the company.

A non-title tag team feud will not only generate more buzz in the division, but it will promise some strong matches too, as these two pairings are amongst the best teams of the last decade.

1

Will Ospreay Vs. Samoa Joe Vs. Jericho Vs. Darby Allin Vs. Mark Davis Vs. Konosuke Takeshita Vs. Tommaso Ciampa Vs. Adam Copeland (AEW World Champion, Clockwork Carnage)

• Will Ospreay’s new gimmick match will take place at WrestleDream.
• AEW will be hosting qualifying matches.
• A mix of wrestlers will compete inside Clockwork Carnage.

WrestleDream 2026 will feature Will Ospreay’s Clockwork Carnage brainchild, which he debuted in the Pro Wrestling EVE promotion to a resounding success. We know this match will take place, but we don’t know who will be in the field. AEW will host several qualifying matches, one of which being Samoa Joe vs. Jack Perry, but the other potential candidates are unknown.

When looking across the AEW roster, there are several names who are amongst the frontrunners, and our picks are Samoa Joe, Chris Jericho, TNT Champion Darby Allin, Mark Davis, Konosuke Takeshita, Tommaso Ciampa, and Adam Copeland. Amongst these names are experienced legends, rising stars, those with recent big wins in their backpockets, and some of Ospreay’s old rivals.