AEW Double or Nothing is set to be the next big pay-per-view for All Elite Wrestling in 2026. Tony Khan has been giving some incredible shows this year, and fans have high expectations for this show as well. It will take place at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York, on May 24, 2026. AEW has announced a stacked lineup of stars for the show.
However, people are expecting some big surprises in store for the event. Tony Khan often plans some massive debuts and returns for his big pay-per-views, and Double or Nothing is definitely one of them. Besides, there are various superstars who are rumored to be in line to get involved in the AEW programming moving forward. In this article, we will take a look at two potential debuts and two potential returns that can happen at Double or Nothing 2026.
First, let’s see two stars who can debut at the spectacle later this month:
#2. Dakota Kai
Dakota Kai was released from WWE in May 2025. Since then, there have been rumors that Kai could join All Elite Wrestling to continue her wrestling career. However, for a long time, the 38-year-old was away from the business. However, in March this year, the former WWE star returned to professional wrestling to compete on EVE Wrestle Queendom VIII.
The former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion squared off with Kris Statlander in an incredible match where Kai suffered a loss. Then Dakota went to HOG Wrestling in April to face Shotzi Blackheart, where she picked up her first wrestling win in more than a year. Well, with that epic comeback to professional wrestling, the rumors are back that Kai could make her AEW debut soon.
Double or Nothing is one of the biggest shows of the year in the All Elite Wrestling calendar. That show kicks off the season for the Jacksonville-based promotion. Therefore, Kai’s debut at such a big stage would generate a massive buzz and attract a lot of eyeballs. As a result, there is a good chance that Tony Khan can bring in the former WWE star at the pay-per-view.
#1. Baron Corbin
Baron Corbin was released from WWE in 2025 following a decade-long career with the promotion. He has been competing in the independent scene of professional wrestling since then, in companies like CMLL, HOG, MLW, and RXV. But in January this year, the former WWE United States Champion wrestled in the AEW ring.
Corbin competed in a dark match for All Elite Wrestling, where he teamed up with Hadar Horvitz, Ori Gold, and Martin Stone in a tag showdown with Austin Gunn, Billy Gunn, Brady Booker, and Elijah Drago. That was the appearance that sparked the rumors of Corbin’s AEW debut.
Tony Khan currently needs something fresh on his shows. Corbin could be an incredible fresh addition to the All Elite Wrestling’s mid-card division. Therefore, there is a good chance that the 41-year-old star could make his debut at the Double or Nothing this month.
Now, let’s take a look at two stars who can return at AEW Double or Nothing 2026:
#2. Buddy Matthews
Buddy Matthews has been away from AEW for more than a year. He suffered an ankle injury at GrandSlam Australia in February 2025 during his match with Kazuchika Okada. The former WWE star has been recovering from his injury since then, and last year in August, he underwent surgery. Matthews has been recovering since then, sharing his growth with his fans online.
Over the past few weeks, the former Cruiserweight Champion has been sharing his impressive physique with his fans, giving hints of his much-awaited return. Besides, the former WWE star has also dropped various cryptic teases for his comeback on social media. Therefore, there is a good possibility that Matthews’ AEW return is nearer than ever.
Buddy could make his comeback during the Double or Nothing show later this month in some capacity. He could appear in some backstage segment on the show to make it clear to the locker room that he is back in the mix. Such an angle would give instant attention to the former WWE star despite his long absence.
#1. Mercedes Mone can return at AEW Double or Nothing
Mercedes Mone is heavily rumored to be in line to make her return to All Elite Wrestling soon. She has been away from the Jacksonville-based promotion since the beginning of 2026. Following her TBS Championship defeat to Willow Nightingale, The CEO decided to take a break from the company to heal from her series of losses. However, she has started to compete in the independent scene.
In March, Mone went on a European tour where she defended her multiple championships against rising stars in the independent circuit. Later, she even hinted at her comeback to the Jacksonville-based promotion. Therefore, fans believe that The CEO is expected to return to AEW very soon. The company is set to be heading over to the build for All In.
The former WWE star is likely to be one of the main stars for the event in London this year. Besides, fans believe she could compete for the AEW Women’s World Championship at All In this year. Therefore, to kick off her next chapter, Mone can make her return at Double or Nothing. She could show up during the show to confront the current world champion, Thekla, in a high-voltage face-off.
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Edited by Anugrah Tyagi
