OPINION: 5 AEW Wrestlers Who Deserve A World Title Run

If you’ve listened to any recent episodes of the Beyond The Junkyard podcast—and since you’re reading this, I’m assuming you have—you already know I’ve never been particularly enthusiastic about the idea of Darby Allin becoming AEW World Champion.

To be clear, that has nothing to do with Darby Allin as a performer. I think he’s one of the best wrestlers AEW has to offer. His passion, creativity, and willingness to put his body on the line are unquestionable.

My hesitation has always come down to marketability.

To me, a world champion should be someone that fans from every corner of the wrestling audience can rally behind. The ideal champion should appeal to both casual viewers and diehard fans. They should be believable as the face of the company, strong on the microphone, elite in the ring, and versatile enough to deliver technical classics while also rising to the occasion in high-risk, spectacle-driven matches when necessary.

Unfortunately, I don’t believe Darby checks every one of those boxes.

So, instead of simply saying who I don’t see as champion, I’d rather focus on who I do. Here are five men and women I believe possess the complete package and deserve an AEW World Championship run.

1. Megan Bayne

“The Megasus” has it.

Bayne has showcased an intimidating style and an aura that immediately sets her apart from the rest of the division. Her ability to overpower opponents while maintaining impressive athleticism makes her a unique threat and a believable champion. With her larger-than-life presentation and immense potential, Megan Bayne represents the future of AEW’s women’s division. Putting the AEW Women’s World Championship around her waist would usher in a new powerhouse era fans would remember for years to come.

2. Sammy Guevara

Sammy Guevara has been one of AEW’s homegrown stars since day one.

Throughout the company’s history, Guevara has evolved from a talented prospect into a seasoned performer who consistently delivers in big moments. His athleticism, charisma, and willingness to take risks have made him a key part of AEW’s identity. A world title reign would be a fitting reward for one of the original pillars who helped build the promotion from the ground up.

3. Willow Nightingale

Since arriving in AEW, Willow Nightingale has delivered memorable performances, captured championship gold, and proven she thrives under pressure.

Her infectious personality and underdog spirit have made her one of the most beloved wrestlers on the roster. Combined with her toughness and in-ring ability, Willow possesses all the qualities fans look for in a champion. A Women’s World Championship reign would not only reward her hard work but give the division a champion audiences can wholeheartedly support.

4. Will Ospreay

Will Ospreay has brought a level of intensity and excitement to AEW that few performers can match.

His combination of charisma, in-ring excellence, and international star power makes him an ideal representative for the company. A championship reign for Ospreay feels less like a question of if and more a question of when. In my opinion, we’re closer to seeing him hold the AEW World Championship than many people realize.

5. Mercedes Moné

Mercedes Moné has already established herself as one of the most accomplished and influential wrestlers of her generation.

A global superstar with championship success across multiple promotions, Moné brings experience, credibility, and undeniable star power to AEW. Her ability to elevate opponents and deliver in major matches has made her one of the faces of modern women’s wrestling. An AEW Women’s World Championship reign would only add further prestige to both the title and the division itself.

At the end of the day, championship discussions are subjective, and that’s part of what makes professional wrestling so much fun. You may completely disagree with my list—and that’s perfectly fine. These are simply the five names I believe have the talent, presence, and marketability to represent AEW at the highest level.

Who do you think deserves their first AEW World Championship run? Let me know your picks and join the conversation.

And don’t forget to catch Beyond The Junkyard every Thursday at 9 p.m. on YouTube. Be sure to follow Junkyard HQ on X and Instagram @JunkyardHQ for more wrestling news, opinions, and content throughout the week.