The State of the Promotion
AEW sits in a precarious spot as we head toward Double or Nothing on May 24, 2026. The promotion remains the primary alternative for high-end wrestling, yet internal and external noise regarding broadcast deals and audience retention remains constant. These rankings reflect current booking momentum, star power, and the ability to drive the needle in a shifting industry.
The Rankings
1. Jon Moxley. He is the iron man of this company, consistently delivering physical, high-stakes matches that define the promotion's identity. His ability to work through any feud makes him the undisputed anchor of the brand.
2. Swerve Strickland. The upward trajectory here is undeniable. Since winning the world title, he has moved from a mid-card standout to a genuine main event draw who commands every arena he enters.
3. Will Ospreay. His move set is unmatched, featuring the Hidden Blade and a Stormbreaker that consistently closes out television segments. He brings an athleticism that simply does not exist elsewhere.
4. Bryan Danielson. Even with a looming retirement hanging over his head, Danielson remains the most technical wrestler in the world. He elevates every opponent he stands across from, regardless of the storyline.
5. Toni Storm. The character work is arguably the best in the entire company right now. She has managed to stay relevant through multiple iterations, turning a gimmick into a centerpiece of the women's division.
6. MJF. His absence or presence dictates the flow of the entire show. When he is on screen, the promos are mandatory viewing, even if his recent booking cycles feel somewhat repetitive.
7. The Young Bucks. They function as the engine of the tag team and trios divisions, providing a structure that others build around. Critics often complain about their booking authority, but their in-ring psychology remains sharp.
8. Kazuchika Okada. The transition to Western television hasn't been seamless, but the quality of his matches remains elite. He is still finding his groove with American audiences but dominates every time the bell rings.
9. Adam Copeland. His arrival brought a massive influx of mainstream credibility to the roster. His ongoing commitment to high-risk spots at his age helps drive buy-rates for pay-per-view events.
10. Willow Nightingale. She has surged past other contenders with a fan connection that feels organic and earned. Her rise to the championship picture showcases a depth that the company desperately needed in the women's division.
The Big Picture and Industry Friction
The internal state of AEW remains volatile, complicated by reports surrounding media rights negotiations. As Ringside News recently highlighted, persistent claims suggest WBD cooled on the promotion months ago, creating a fog of uncertainty despite the product continuing to air. This type of noise affects perception, especially when figures like Nick LoPiccolo actively troll the fanbase on social media regarding these business realities.
Fans consistently debate the product's direction, as noted in recent WrestleTalk analysis. The booking is not without its flaws; the roster is often too bloated, leading to talented performers sitting in catering for weeks. Constant switching between massive, high-intensity matches and cold segments remains the company's biggest hurdle to sustained growth.
The trolls and the rumors regarding network deals from sources like Ringside News only serve to distract from the actual improvements in storytelling. The product needs to focus on the ring rather than the PR battles. Double or Nothing will be a 75 percent proof-of-concept for the company's long-term health if they can draw a massive gate.
Honorable mentions go to Konosuke Takeshita and Jamie Hayter. Both are currently hovering just outside the top ten, waiting for a breakout feud to cement their status as main-event staples. Their absence from the top tier is a booking oversight that needs correction before the summer cycle begins.
