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

13. Kris Statlander

Kris Statlander
AEW

Another AEW performer who isn't booked anywhere near enough, her promise is outstanding. When AEW suffered a rocky period in December 2019, her work was so good that it felt, for a time, that the promotion had solved its most pressing problem.

Injury curtailed her progress, and her character doesn't exactly lend itself to three-dimensional development, but she's simply too awesome not to forecast as a champion of some degree or other by - and hopefully well before - 2026.

12. Leva Bates

Leva Bates
Thomas Tischio AEW

Never once confused with a good wrestler, Leva Bates per AEW Unrestricted is "gofer" backstage who coordinates various charity, branding and PR activities in addition to being heavily involved in the 'Heels' initiative.

She will remain as a valued backstage asset.

11. Leyla Hirsch

Leyla Hirsch Thunder Rosa
AEW

Another under-utilised talent - this take crops up far too frequently in the women's division section, doesn't it? - Leyla Hirsch works so well as a babyface because her stature presents her as an underdog, but her diverse style makes every comeback convincing.

But does she possess the intangible "TV star" quality required for a consistent feature role?

That's the question. By 2026, if AEW hasn't channelled her genuinely inspiring real-life story into a big emotive programme, it really is on them.

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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!