As the wrestling world converges on the vibrant city of Chicago for AEW All Out 2026, anticipation crackles in the air, promising a night of unforgettable action, high-stakes championship encounters, and the unfolding of compelling narratives. The annual spectacle, held at the esteemed Now Arena, is poised to deliver a card packed with eleven bouts, including a high-octane pre-show showdown. This deep dive will dissect each contest, offering a comprehensive analysis and expert predictions on who will emerge victorious and etch their names in AEW history. Our track record in forecasting outcomes has seen its share of successes and near misses, with recent predictions for AEW All In London yielding a 6-3 record and a 2-2 tally for Sunday Night’s Main Event. However, the unpredictable nature of professional wrestling, especially at a major event like All Out, ensures that certainty is a rare commodity. Nevertheless, armed with an understanding of current storylines, roster dynamics, and the creative direction of All Elite Wrestling, we present our informed projections for this year’s groundbreaking event.
The evening’s festivities commence with an Eight-Man Tornado Tailgate Brawl, a chaotic affair designed to ignite the crowd before the main card. The clash pits the formidable Bang Bang Gang, spearheaded by the ever-present influence of Juice Robinson, against a united front of Daniel Garcia and Wheeler Yuta from the Death Riders, alongside David Finlay and Clark Connors representing The Dogs. This feud, born from the existing animosity between the Bang Bang Gang and The Dogs, has evolved with the unique alliance forged between The Dogs and the Death Riders. The strategic interplay sees The Dogs aiding Will Ospreay’s adversaries, while the Death Riders provide support against the Bang Bang Gang. However, the absence of key figures like Gabe Kidd and Claudio Castagnoli, who are competing in Japan for NJPW’s Destruction in Kobe, significantly impacts the heel contingent’s chances. Kidd’s unhinged aggression and Castagnoli’s sheer power are irreplaceable assets, especially against the relentless assault of the Bang Bang Gang’s members like Austin and Colten Gunn, and Ace Austin. Without their presence, the odds heavily favor Jay White’s "Collision Cowboys" securing the victory. This pre-show bout, characterized by its inherent anarchy and liberal use of plunder, serves as an ideal appetizer. A loss here will carry minimal repercussions for either faction, making a triumphant opening for the babyface alliance a logical and crowd-pleasing choice to set the tone for the night.
In a highly anticipated singles contest, "Jungle" Jack Perry is set to face the stoic Katsuyori Shibata. Perry, having recently vocalized his desire for a confrontation with Samoa Joe, finds himself needing to overcome the immediate obstacle presented by Shibata. This encounter marks only their second singles match, with Perry having previously retained the TNT Championship against Shibata at WrestleDream in 2024. That prior bout, lasting less than ten minutes, occurred during Perry’s controversial "Scapegoat" heel persona. Now, the dynamic has shifted, with Shibata assuming the villainous role. Despite the change in alignment, the overwhelming consensus among our staff leans towards Perry securing the win, with a commanding 91% of predictions favoring him. The narrative arc strongly suggests Perry’s progression towards a potential feud with Samoa Joe, making a loss at this juncture seem improbable. Such an outcome would derail the burgeoning story and feel jarring to the established continuity. Furthermore, Shibata’s singles record has been a point of concern, with his last singles victory occurring nearly a year prior against Max Caster on AEW Collision. His overall win-loss record since 2022 stands at a modest 6-20, further diminishing his prospects against the ascendant Perry.
The quest for the AEW World Tag Team Championships intensifies with a crucial Number One Contender’s Match, featuring the dynamic pairing of Darby Allin and Steven Borden against the formidable Don Callis Family. Our internal polling indicates a strong lean towards Allin and Borden emerging victorious, with 75% of our team predicting their advancement. All Out marks a significant milestone for Borden, his inaugural pay-per-view appearance. AEW management appears keen to capitalize on this momentum, nurturing Borden’s rapidly growing popularity and in-ring prowess. His connection with the AEW fanbase is undeniable, and his undefeated streak in both dark matches and televised bouts on "AEW Dynamite" underscores his upward trajectory. The narrative significance of this match is further amplified by Borden’s lineage as the son of wrestling icon Sting. A victory here could pave the way for a deeply resonant, full-circle moment, linking Borden, his legendary father, and Allin. Allin himself shared a successful AEW Tag Team Championship reign with Sting in early 2024, culminating in the defense of the titles during Sting’s final match at AEW Revolution. With Sting now retired, the symbolic importance of Allin potentially reclaiming tag team gold alongside Sting’s son is a compelling storyline that AEW is unlikely to overlook. The prospect of this meaningful narrative outweighs the current internal fractures within the Don Callis Family, solidifying our prediction for the Allin-Borden alliance to seize the opportunity.
The AEW Women’s World Championship picture will also be clarified as Thekla faces Willow Nightingale in a Number One Contender’s Match. With reigning champion Mercedes Mone sidelined due to a broken nose sustained during her victory at AEW All In, the division is in a state of flux. Our staff overwhelmingly favors Thekla to earn the shot at Mone, with a 75% majority predicting her win. Nightingale and Mone already delivered a critically acclaimed encounter at Wembley Stadium, making an immediate rematch feel premature. Furthermore, Nightingale is still contending with an injury sustained during her championship match, evident by the brace on her wrist. While she has proven her resilience, Thekla is expected to exploit this vulnerability. The post-All In interactions between Thekla and Mone established a palpable animosity, and Nightingale’s subsequent insertion into the title picture initially hinted at a potential triple threat. However, the prevailing injuries have necessitated this singles contest. We anticipate Thekla capitalizing on Nightingale’s physical limitations, securing a victory that sets up a compelling showdown with Mercedes Mone at AEW WrestleDream.
The AEW Women’s World Tag Team Championships are set to be defended by the formidable Brawling Birds, with 100% of our panel predicting their successful defense against Divine Dominion. Lena Kross and Megan Bayne of Divine Dominion face an uphill battle in a Chicago Street Fight against a team whose very name embodies the match stipulation. While Divine Dominion have presented themselves as credible challengers, the Brawling Birds, Jamie Hayter and Alex Windsor, appear destined for a significant reign as champions. Their partnership felt inevitable, and their championship victory was a logical progression. Now, as champions, their reign is anticipated to be lengthy and impactful. In the context of a long wrestling show, a decisive victory like this can serve as a vital injection of energy, re-energizing the crowd and providing a moment of clear-cut triumph. The Brawling Birds’ victory over Divine Dominion is precisely the kind of emphatic statement that can achieve this.
The AEW World Trios Championship is on the line as Swerve Strickland and The New Level defend their newly acquired gold against the formidable trio of "Hangman" Adam Page, Bandido, and Brody King. In a division that has seen remarkable volatility with eight title changes this year alone, our entire panel (100%) is confident that Strickland and The New Level will buck the trend and retain their championships. Page, Bandido, and King, collectively known as Brodido, were the predecessors to Strickland and The New Level, holding the titles briefly before losing them in a chaotic Trios Roulette Royale at AEW All In. That event also marked the highly anticipated AEW debuts of Kofi and Austin Creed, formerly WWE’s Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, now known as The New Level. Their arrival brought significant fanfare, and it’s logical for AEW to continue building momentum around them. The New Level are still establishing their presence within AEW, and a successful defense against decorated former champions like Brodido would be a significant step in solidifying their status. The Trios Championship has often been overlooked, partly due to its frequent transitions. A sustained reign from Strickland and The New Level could provide the stability and prestige necessary to elevate the division.
In a highly anticipated defense of the AEW International Championship, Kazuchika Okada faces the determined challenge of Tommaso Ciampa. Ciampa has emphatically called for "The Rainmaker" to bring his A-game, demanding the legendary version of Okada who has delivered countless classic matches. While a portion of our staff (33%) acknowledges Ciampa’s credentials and the potential for an intriguing storyline within the Don Callis Family if Okada were to falter, the majority (67%) predicts Okada’s triumphant retention. Ciampa’s immediate TNT Championship win upon his AEW debut demonstrates his capability, and a loss for Okada could create compelling internal dynamics. However, Okada has only recently regained the AEW International Championship, and a swift loss would undermine his championship credentials. While short title reigns can be effective, the current narrative calls for Okada to establish himself as a dominant, albeit heelish, champion. His defenses should serve as reminders of his unparalleled talent, making him a champion fans love to hate but respect for his in-ring prowess. Ciampa may regret calling for the best version of Okada, as "The Rainmaker" is poised to retain his title at All Out.
The burgeoning AEW National Championship is set for a defense, with Andrade El Idolo facing PAC. In a unanimous prediction (100%), our entire staff foresees Andrade successfully retaining his championship. Andrade has been on a remarkable run in 2026, with his catchphrase, signature selfies, and electrifying in-ring performances resonating strongly with the audience. While PAC is a capable performer, there is currently no narrative momentum or indication that he possesses the strength to halt Andrade’s current commercial and artistic success. Andrade’s reign is expected to continue, with his popularity ensuring a move to bigger opportunities down the line. However, that ascension will not commence at All Out. Expect Andrade to continue his string of defenses throughout the fall, awaiting a challenger with more substantial claim to the championship. PAC, despite his past accomplishments, has become somewhat of a non-factor in the singles division, and his days as the inaugural International Champion feel like a distant memory.
The AEW TBS Championship is set for an open challenge, with the reigning champion Persephone defending her title against an as-yet-undetermined challenger. Our staff has cast their predictions, with 64% anticipating Persephone’s successful defense. The open challenge format introduces an element of unpredictability, as the challenger could hail from within AEW or from outside the company. Reports suggest the potential for Dani Luna to answer the challenge, and there is also speculation about the possibility of KAIRI making her AEW debut. However, the majority of our voters believe Persephone will retain, showcasing her championship mettle. The remaining 36% who predicted a new champion largely focused on KAIRI as the potential challenger, highlighting her appeal even in the absence of an official AEW contract. Despite the intrigue surrounding potential challengers, Persephone is the favored option to continue her reign.
The AEW World Tag Team Championships are poised for a potentially legendary encounter, as Christian Cage and Adam Copeland defend their titles in a TLC match against the formidable teams of FTR and The Young Bucks. This contest is shaping up to be a match for the ages, pitting three of the most accomplished tag teams in professional wrestling history against each other. While the outcome is difficult to definitively predict, 67% of our panel anticipates that Matt and Nick Jackson, The Young Bucks, will emerge victorious, becoming the first-ever four-time AEW Tag Team Champions. The Bucks have hinted at potential retirements and have contracts expiring in 2027, adding a layer of narrative significance to their pursuit of championship gold. A victory here could set up future dream matches, such as a highly anticipated clash with The New Level. Cage and Copeland have enjoyed a significant reign, likely their last with the tag titles, and dropping the gold at this juncture feels like a logical progression. The remaining 33% of our predictions are evenly split between those who believe Cage and Copeland will retain and those who see FTR reclaiming the championships.
The main event of AEW All Out 2026 features a monumental clash for the AEW World Championship, as Will Ospreay makes his first defense against the formidable Jon Moxley. In a testament to Ospreay’s growing stature, 83% of our staff predicts him to retain the title. Moxley, a four-time former AEW World Champion, poses a significant threat, having previously attempted to mentor Ospreay. This match will serve as a crucial test for Ospreay, demonstrating whether he has absorbed the lessons from his would-be mentor. While Moxley’s championship pedigree is undeniable, the narrative strongly suggests this is the beginning of a lengthy reign for Ospreay. Defeating Moxley would lend immense credibility to Ospreay’s championship run and definitively close the chapter on the Death Riders’ influence. Despite Ospreay being potentially outnumbered by Moxley’s allies and possibly members of NJPW’s United Empire, the prospect of him losing the world title so soon after capturing it would be a monumental upset. Therefore, Ospreay represents the safe and logical prediction, even without a clear numbers advantage.
