AEW’s week was dominated by PAC’s recent passing and its emotional tribute show, championship defenses at Grand Slam: France, and major injury news that will reshape storylines heading into WrestleDream. The company is operating at a crossroads: mourning a beloved star while pushing forward with international expansion and its most ambitious match concepts.
#1. Will Ospreay
The AEW World Champion is front and center with a historic WrestleDream title defense in the brand-new Clockwork Carnage Matchβa gimmick he co-created that’s generating significant buzz. Ospreay is positioned as the company’s creative visionary and top drawing champion.
π AEW World Championship
#2. Mercedes MonΓ©
The AEW Women’s World Champion is actively defending at Grand Slam: France this week against Queen Aminata, keeping her in the spotlight. She’s also tied to a major WrestleDream program with Thekla, cementing her role as the women’s division anchor.
π AEW Women’s World Championship
Part of the reigning AEW World Trios Champions alongside Kofi and Austin Creed, Swerve is embedded in one of AEW’s hottest acts and benefiting from heavy promotion of New Day’s debut. Multiple stories highlight the faction’s success.
π AEW World Trios Championship (shared)
#4. Chris Jericho
Fresh off his return in April without a stable, Jericho is actively feuding with Nick Wayne in a storyline that’s generating creative discussion. His podcast appearances and backstage role with Khan suggest continued relevance as a main-event draw.
#5. Kofi Kingston & Austin Creed (The New Level)
One month into their AEW run, the New Day members have already captured the Trios Championship and are appearing regularly on Collision. Their debut arc is one of the week’s biggest stories, with Big E providing outside legitimacy.
π AEW World Trios Championship (shared)
#6. Samoa Joe
The former AEW World Champion continues generating interest through interview content about his WWE releases, concussion recovery, and spiritual perspective. While not actively in a major angle, his ongoing profile keeps him culturally present.
#7. Adam Copeland
Making his Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling debut in a high-profile match at Northern Rising, Copeland is checking items off his retirement bucket list while maintaining AEW status. His willingness to work outside AEW shows confidence in his brand.
#8. Jungle Boy (Jungle Jack Perry)
Featured prominently at Grand Slam: France with a confirmed match, Perry is positioned for a significant moment. His storyline momentum is building toward WrestleDream.
#9. Queen Aminata
Earning three consecutive wins on Collision and now getting a shock AEW Women’s World Championship opportunity against Mercedes MonΓ© at Grand Slam: France, Aminata is the week’s biggest surprise push and represents AEW’s women’s division depth.
#10. Jay White
Though sidelined with a serious injury that will sideline him for months, White’s absence is driving Bang Bang Gang storyline adjustments and remains a talking point. His return window will be critical to AEW’s tag division.
Zayda Steelβthe first Arab woman in AEWβis building momentum with representation-driven narratives and a strong post-WWE ID debut, worth monitoring for a potential rise into the next tier.
