It’s been over a year since we last saw Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen, known collectively as Private Party, on AEW programming. After dropping the AEW Tag Team Titles to The Hurt Syndicate on the January 22, 2025, episode of Dynamite, the high-flying duo quietly disappeared from TV, sparking rumours of contract issues, injuries, and even a potential WWE jump.
Now, as AEW teases a major “Wild Card” tag team return tonight, new backstage updates suggest that Private Party could be the surprise team — and fans are fired up about it.
Private Party Still Under AEW Contract
According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, both Kassidy and Quen are still signed to AEW, despite earlier reports over the summer linking them to WWE interest. Sources confirmed to Sapp that WWE was indeed monitoring the pair, but nothing concrete came of it.
More importantly, the duo has reportedly been backstage at recent AEW events, fueling speculation that their comeback is imminent. When asked if they could be the Wild Card team competing for a future shot at the AEW Tag Team Championships, AEW sources didn’t confirm it outright — but they didn’t deny it either.
“It’s far more likely you’ll see them back on AEW programming before you’d see them in WWE,” one source noted.
A High-Stakes Night for AEW’s Tag Division
Tonight’s episode of AEW Dynamite features a major tag match — with one team earning a shot at FTR‘s AEW Tag Team Titles. The twist? One of the teams involved is being promoted as a “Wild Card” — a mystery duo that hasn’t been seen in AEW’s regular tag team rotation for months.
Given AEW’s recent push for surprises and big returns leading into Grand Slam: Australia and AEW Revolution next month in Los Angeles, this tease has fans speculating heavily. A disappointing reveal would feel like a letdown at this point, so expectations are sky-high.
Why Private Party Makes Perfect Sense:
- Former champions with unfinished business
- Long hiatus adds shock value to their return
- Fan-favourite team known for exciting matches
- Rumours and WWE interest build hype
If the Wild Card spot isn’t Private Party, then AEW will need to deliver something equally compelling — a debuting team, a major return (like Santana & Ortiz), or a shocking reunion. Otherwise, the hype train could derail fast.
Private Party: A Look Back
Private Party broke out in AEW’s early years, gaining attention for their fast-paced, high-risk style, and standout matches against The Young Bucks and other top teams. Despite a promising start, inconsistent booking and injuries slowed their momentum. Still, they captured the AEW World Tag Team Titles in 2024, proving their long-term value to the division.
Their title run was cut short in early 2025, and they haven’t appeared since.
What’s Next: AEW Revolution on the Horizon
Tonight’s match is expected to determine challengers for FTR’s titles, likely leading to a title match at AEW Revolution in Los Angeles next month. AEW will want that bout to feel special — and Private Party, making their comeback after a year, could be just what the build-up needs.
If they do return, it sets up several exciting possibilities:
- Private Party vs FTR — Classic high-flyers vs old-school technicians
- Potential storylines with The Hurt Syndicate, revisiting the team that dethroned them
- New feuds with teams like The Gunns, Top Flight, or The Kingdom
AEW has been on a roll heading into its international Grand Slam weekend, and a well-executed return tonight could keep the momentum alive. Whether it’s Private Party or another shocking team, this Wild Card tease has raised the stakes — and fans will be watching closely to see if Tony Khan delivers.
