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4 WWE & AEW Stars Who Might Jump Ship In 2026

By Monika Thapa • Published Dec 23, 2025 06:46 EST
WWE & AEW logo over arena

A lot of WWE and AEW stars’ contracts are set to expire in 2026.

While many of those stars will probably re-sign with their respective companies, here are 4 names that might jump ship next year.

#1 Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho’s contract with the Jacksonville-based promotion wraps up at the end of 2025, and WWE rumors are already heating up big time.

The Demo God straight-up teased a WWE return recently, dropping massive hints and teases on social media.

Word on the street is that he’s making his big comeback at the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia or WrestleMania 42 next year.

#2 Britt Baker

Britt Baker’s AEW deal hits free agency in the fall of 2026, and the Stamford-based promotion could circle her as a prime target.

The former All Elite Wrestling Women’s World Champion has been a standout since signing with the Jacksonville-based promotion in 2020, delivering banger matches and killer promos that built the women’s division early on.

Triple H loves polished talents like her. Plus, she’s been underused lately amid AEW’s crowded women’s roster.

Hence, there is a belief that she might part with Tony Khan’s company after contract expiry, and the Stamford-based promotion could grab her.

#3 Bayley

Bayley’s WWE contract is set to expire in late 2026. She is one of the Four Horsewomen who revolutionized women’s wrestling since NXT in 2015.

But the Stamford-based promotion has been mishandling her lately. Many believe that her loss to Sol Ruca at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13 stung her veteran cred hard.

Creative has been fumbling her main event push post-2024 title reign, sticking her in pointless mid-card tags while peers like Charlotte Flair and Becky Lynch shine.

Fans whisper her bestie Mercedes Mone (Sasha Banks), thriving in the Jacksonville-based promotion, could lure her over for a dream reunion feud or tag run.

#4 AJ Styles

AJ Styles’ deal with the Stamford-based promotion ends around February 2026.

The 48-year-old Phenomenal One has wrestled everywhere, TNA, ROH, NJPW, Mexican indies like CMLL, and Japanese circuits, but AEW’s the one big gap in his glorious resume.

He has hinted at retirement post-2026, but he might wrap up his in-ring career for good with a short All Elite run in 2026.

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