One of AEW’s rising talents has been the reigning Women’s World Champion, Thekla. The Toxic Spider debuted for the Jacksonville-based promotion in May 2025 and immediately became a prominent name in the women’s division.
On the February 11 episode of Dynamite, she defeated Kris Statlander in a Strap match to win the Women’s World title, marking her first major championship in professional wrestling. Thekla successfully retained her title against The Cosmic Killer in a rematch at the AEW Revolution 2026 pay-per-view.
Furthermore, it is expected that Thekla will be part of the next major event, i.e., AEW Dynasty. So, here are the five stars who could be her challenger for the title at the pay-per-view.
#5. Mina Shirakawa
Mina Shirakawa has not achieved much success since signing a full-time contract with AEW. In a shocking turn of events, she could become a heel and reveal herself to be Toni Storm’s mystery attacker. Shirakawa might say she was done being the nice, bubbly girl and wanted to take her career to the next level. Much like she beat Marina Shafir in a No-Holds-Barred match, she could win a major No.1 contender’s match in the coming weeks to earn a shot at Thekla’s AEW Women’s World Championship at Dynasty.
#4. Former AEW Women’s World Champion Britt Baker
Britt Baker has been absent from All Elite Wrestling since November 2024. However, The Doctor recently revealed that her return was not up to her but the management. Should Tony Khan decide to finally have one of his top stars back in his company, he could insert Baker right into the Women’s World title picture and reveal her as Thekla’s next challenger for the championship at the AEW Dynasty event.
#3. Marina Shafir
Marina Shafir has been considered one of the most dominant and dangerous women on the AEW roster. The Problem has been delivering some exceptional matches and is yet to have a major opportunity in the company. However, the wait could end at the AEW Dynasty event, as Shafir could earn her way to be next in line to earn a title shot against Thekla.
#2. Ronda Rousey
The wrestling fans saw the shocking debut of Ronda Rousey in AEW at the 2026 Revolution pay-per-view. While she is not yet signed with All Elite Wrestling, a lucrative contract and an immediate title shot at the AEW Women’s World Championship might do the trick for Tony Khan to add Rousey to his women’s division. Should The Baddest Woman on the Planet sign the deal, her first in-ring match could be against Thekla for her title at the upcoming pay-per-view, AEW Dynasty.
#1. Mercedes Mone
Following the end of her break from All Elite Wrestling, Mercedes Mone has been on a global tour to defend the multiple championships in her collection. However, The CEO has been suffering setback after setback and losing her titles to other competitors. At the same time, Mone hinted that her return to All Elite Wrestling could be right before the Dynasty event. A scenario could see Ultimo Mone drop all of her belts. With nothing left to lose, she could make a thunderous return to AEW by challenging Thekla for her title, the only championship missing from her illustrious resume.
Read all the hottest WWE news from Sportskeeda by choosing us as your preferred source. Click HERE.
Edited by N.S Walia
