After making it through the first-ever Clockwork Carnage match at WrestleDream, Will Ospreay’s AEW World Title run has now almost passed the two month mark.
Given how big of a moment it was when Ospreay won the AEW World Title in front of his home fans at All In London, it’s hard to see the company booking him to lose that title anytime soon.
While “The Aerial Assassin” should make it well into 2027 as champion, it’s less likely he makes it through the entire year without dropping it at least once, especially considering how many viable contenders there are to take on the company’s top prize.
But which stars could be set to win the AEW World Title for the first time? Here are three potential candidates:
Adam Copeland
With Adam Copeland announcing his plans to retire from professional wrestling in 2027, the clock is now ticking for “The Rated R Superstar” to finally capture his first AEW World Championship.
That is priority number one for the WWE Hall of Famer though, and it’s hard to see someone as driven as him just giving up on his goal until it becomes a reality.
With Cope spending his entire AEW run as a babyface, now would make for an interesting time for him to turn heel – a role that he is most fondly remembered for throughout his career. This doesn’t have to be a sudden turn however, with it being more impactful if it comes after more failed attempts to defeat Ospreay.
Even if it’s just a short reign, it would be great to see a heel Copeland win his 12th, and likely final world title of his illustrious career.
Kyle Fletcher
As well as Adam Copeland, Kyle Fletcher is another top name with his sights currently set on his first AEW World Championship.
“The Protostar” has now won almost every other singles title in AEW but the top prize and is more than ready to take that step up. Given he and Will Ospreay’s history, it would be even sweeter for Fletcher if he wins that first world title from his former friend-turned rival.
He’s not the only Don Callis Family member with a great shot of dethroning Ospreay however…
Kazuchika Okada
Given the pedigree that Kazuchika Okada arrived into AEW with back in March 2024, it is somewhat surprising that “The Rainmaker” hasn’t yet won the company’s top prize.
It’s not like the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion hasn’t had success, in fact he’s rarely spent time without a championship to his name over the past two years, but it feels like the time is soon coming for an elevation into the World Title picture on a full-time basis.
Given the competition within The Don Callis Family for that main event spot, this may cause more friction and lead to someone falling out of the group, but it seems like that’s more likely to be Fletcher than Okada – who Don Callis seems to have a soft spot for.
Whether he takes the title from Fletcher after he defeats Ospreay, or Okada is the one to end the Englishman’s reign, it seems like a safe enough bet that Okada will become AEW World Champion in 2027.
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