AEW’s momentum centers on championship angles and shocking returns following All In: London. Will Ospreay’s ascent to World Champion and the subsequent title picture dominate conversation, while injuries and absences create uncertainty around key mid-card players heading into All Out.
#1. Will Ospreay
The newly crowned AEW World Champion is the focal point of the company after his All In victory. His scheduled defense against Jon Moxley at All Out (Sept. 26) anchors the PPV, and his recent comments about forming a United Empire faction demonstrate his status as the immediate top draw.
🏆 AEW World Championship
#2. Jon Moxley
Moxley’s All Out main event slot against Ospreay confirms his position as the primary challenger to the throne. Despite minimal coverage this week beyond the title announcement, his consistent main-event placement and credibility as a former World Champion keep him firmly in the conversation.
#3. Kazuchika Okada
Fresh off recapturing the AEW International Championship at All In London, Okada is positioned as a legitimate upper-midcard draw. His championship reign and continued involvement in high-profile matches underscore his relevance to AEW’s current landscape.
🏆 AEW International Championship
#4. Britt Baker
Baker’s return to AEW after nearly two years away at All In London generated immediate buzz and positioned her as a top women’s contender. Her availability for high-profile matches—including speculation of a dream bout with ROH’s Deonna Purrazzo—makes her a key storyline piece.
#5. Kyle Fletcher
Fletcher remains in the conversation despite losing the AEW International Championship to Okada at All In. His involvement in backstage discussions about recruiting Ilja Dragunov and his continued mid-upper-card positioning keep him relevant heading into All Out.
#6. Kofi Kingston (The New Level)
Kingston’s high-profile departure from WWE to AEW alongside Austin Creed is a major storyline this week. The New Level’s arrival signals AEW’s ambition to poach proven talent, though Jim Cornette’s criticism about their long-term prospects adds intrigue to their narrative arc.
#7. Austin Creed (The New Level)
Creed’s move alongside Kofi represents a significant free-agent signing and a statement about AEW’s competitive positioning against WWE. Their revelations about WWE’s attempted pay-cut restructuring add heat to their debut storyline.
#8. RUSH
Despite a two-month absence and disappointment over missing All In: London, RUSH commanded substantial coverage this week. His cryptic YouTube comments about his push stalling and teasing a potential WWE future create genuine intrigue about his direction and commitment to AEW.
#9. Kevin Knight
Knight earned notable mentions for his growth as a multi-talented performer and mentorship from The Hurt Syndicate. His transition from NJPW and emerging status on AEW programming position him as a rising prospect worth monitoring.
#10. Buddy Matthews
Matthews received coverage this week confirming his medical clearance after a lengthy ankle injury layoff since February 2025. His pending return adds depth to AEW’s tag team and upper-midcard landscape.
Wardlow merits attention as a returning upper-midcard talent with torn pec recovery underway, though his exact timeline remains unclear.
