AEW President Tony Khan continues to reshape his locker room as All Elite Wrestling heads into a pivotal stretch of 2026. During the Maximum Carnage special, Khan revealed the next wave of signings, which includes a major tag team acquisition and several rising international stars.
These changes come as AEW prepares to say goodbye to a few key names, including Powerhouse Hobbs and possibly Chris Jericho.
The Rascalz Are All Elite
One of the biggest announcements of the night was the upcoming AEW debut of The Rascalz — a high-flying, fast-paced faction that has made waves in NXT, TNA, and across the independent scene.
The group includes:
- Dezmond Xavier
- Zachary Wentz
- Trey Miguel
- Myron Reed
As reported earlier by Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp, all four members have signed multi-year deals with AEW. This is a major signing for AEW’s tag team and trios divisions, especially after the departure of The Opps (Hobbs, Samoa Joe, and Shibata) as Trios Champions.
The Rascalz bring speed, innovation, and years of chemistry. Fans can expect them to immediately make an impact in both the AEW Tag Team and Trios scenes.
More Signings: Persephone, Hechicero, and Máscara Dorada
After Dynamite went off the air, Tony Khan took to social media to announce three additional signings — all linked to Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) through dual contracts.
Persephone
- Age: 24
- Background: Rising star from CMLL, she’s made several appearances in AEW and ROH.
- Notable Match: Participated in the TBS Championship Four-Way at Forbidden Door last August.
- Contract: Dual deal with AEW/ROH and CMLL.
Persephone’s signing adds depth to the AEW women’s division, and her growing popularity in both North American and Mexican markets makes her a valuable addition.
Hechicero
- A technical wrestling specialist and member of the Don Callis Family.
- Recently challenged Mark Briscoe for the TNT Championship on Collision.
- Known for his unique offense and character work, Hechicero could become a breakout star in 2026.
Máscara Dorada
- Competed in the 2025 AEW Continental Classic.
- Earned notable wins over Claudio Castagnoli and Roderick Strong.
- A high-flyer with international experience, he adds star power to AEW’s mid-card and potential championship scenes.
Both Hechicero and Dorada will continue working with CMLL while being featured regularly on AEW television — strengthening AEW’s working relationship with the historic Mexican promotion.
Departures: Powerhouse Hobbs and Chris Jericho
While AEW welcomes fresh talent, it’s also preparing to part ways with some familiar faces.
Powerhouse Hobbs
- Former TNT Champion and World Trios Champion.
- Reportedly turned down a “huge” offer from AEW.
- Expected to sign with WWE soon, per Fightful Select.
- Final AEW appearance likely this Saturday on Collision, where The Opps defend their Trios titles.
Hobbs had a six-year run with AEW and became a key part of the promotion’s homegrown talent pool. His decision to test free agency — and likely jump to WWE — marks a big shift for AEW’s roster.
Chris Jericho’s Future in Question
- There’s growing speculation that Chris Jericho is on his way out of AEW.
- Rumors of a WWE return have circulated for months.
- Jericho remains listed on AEW’s active roster, but his next move could be announced any day.
If Jericho does leave, it would be another high-profile exit for AEW — but also an opportunity for younger stars to step into leadership roles.
What These Moves Mean for AEW
| Incoming Talent | Departing Talent (Rumoured/Confirmed) |
|---|---|
| The Rascalz (Xavier, Wentz, Miguel, Reed) | Powerhouse Hobbs |
| Persephone | Chris Jericho (rumoured) |
| Hechicero | — |
| Máscara Dorada | — |
Tony Khan appears to be balancing roster losses with fresh, dynamic signings. The addition of The Rascalz and CMLL stars brings energy and versatility to AEW’s shows, while the departure of experienced names like Hobbs opens the door for new stories and character development.
