Predicting Where Every AEW Wrestler Will Be In 5 Years' Time

19. Anna Jay

Anna Jay
AEW

Super-talented at a ridiculously early phase of her development, Anna Jay has already proven herself capable of working any number of sleeper TV matches.

"Marketable" is the least crass way to put across her appeal in a superficial industry, but it's of more significance than many are prepared to admit. If Anna Jay continues to improve at this rate, it will be astonishing if she doesn't capture at least one Women's Championship.

18. Brandi Rhodes

Brandi Rhodes
AEW

An anxiety-inducing meta run is forthcoming, and honestly, it could be great.

Brandi Rhodes threatening to be the one to end Britt Baker's title run would generate some awesome near-falls - and remember, Brandi Vs. Anna Jay on Saturday Night Dynamite was legitimately excellent. She can actually go when the occasion demands it.

Beyond that, it's difficult to forecast Brandi having much of an in-ring presence at all by 2026, by which point she'll still be involved with the company in a key backstage capacity.

17. Emi Sakura

Emi Sakura
AEW

Trusted talent liaison and vastly underrated veteran presence, Emi Sakura will be involved in AEW in some capacity, even if that capacity is exclusively as a backstage figure.

Honestly, given her immense experience, Emi should be selected to book the women's division outright in addition to mentoring it - which could well happen deeper into the future.

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!