AEW Stars To Bring Back Old Characters

AEW

On the July 15 edition of AEW Dynamite, Jericho issued a challenge to Tommaso Ciampa for a rematch at AEW Redemption 2026.

The only difference is this time, Jericho is reintroducing his ‘Painmaker’ persona to take on ‘The Psycho Killer.’

With Jericho bringing back one of his old characters, fans could see other AEW names follow in his footsteps joining ‘Le Champion’ in embracing a nostalgic part of themselves.

Here are seven AEW stars to potentially bring back old characters.

7. Claudio Castagnoli

Since signing with All Elite Wrestling in 2022, Claudio Castagnoli has been something akin to who he was during his independent days and joined forces with the Blackpool Combat Club.

Now part of the Death Riders, Castagnoli has portrayed largely the same character for his entire run with AEW.

Wanting and needing a change in his personality, Castagnoli has the chance to rewrite how the latter half of his career will be looked at by bringing back something old and making it new again.

Castagnoli bringing back one of his older looks or reuniting with Sheamus in AEW might be just what the veteran needs to find a new spark in his career.

6. Buddy Matthews

Buddy Matthews has been out of action with a serious ankle injury that required multiple surgeries since February 2025.

While he has been on the sidelines for over a year, Matthews has reportedly been cleared to come back to the ring.

Considering how much has changed in AEW since his injury, it would be wise if Buddy switched up what he was doing prior to his hiatus.

Buddy Matthews adopting his old “Best Kept Secret” character from WWE would be extremely intriguing and open the door for a singles run for the former House of Black member.

5. ‘Jungle’ Jack Perry

On the July 8 Beach Break special of AEW Dynamite, a video package aired that revealed that ‘Jungle’ Jack Perry had re-signed with All Elite Wrestling.

Following this huge decision, it is expected that Perry will be in line for a major push moving forward.

With his vignette reiterating his goal is to become AEW World Champion, Perry might need to bring back an old character to remind the fans why they fell in love with him in the first place.

Having ‘Jungle’ Jack Perry return to his old ‘Jungle Boy’ look would offer some change from his current run and see him embracing everything he’s been to become a new person ready to be a world champion.

4. Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D.

In 2024, Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D. made her return to All Elite Wrestling for the first time in a year, but she was only on television for several months before being placed on hiatus for over a year now.

With two lengthy absences from AEW TV, it might indicate that Baker could be on her way out of the promotion.

However, Baker making a surprise return remains on the table and could see her going back to an older persona to kick off this next run with a bang.

Baker coming back as ‘The Role Model’ and running roughshod over every other female star might once again emerge as one of the biggest stars in the AEW women’s division.

3. Kazuchika Okada

Kazuchika Okada has unlocked a new side of himself ever since he signed with All Elite Wrestling in 2024.

Okada has flipped individuals off on his road to become the first ever AEW Unified Champion, the longest reigning Continental Champion and a former International Champion.

‘The Rainmaker’ has been on a downslide since losing the AEW International Title to Konosuke Takeshita at the Double Or Nothing 2026 pay-per-view.

Looking to rebound from this major loss, Okada could become the red haired ‘balloon’ version of himself or even the all-powerful ‘final boss’ NJPW variation of his persona to reach the top of AEW in the near future.

2. Adam Copeland

Since arriving in All Elite Wrestling back in 2023, Adam Copeland has been someone who has been a key player for the company.

Whether it be his feud with Christian Cage and reign as TNT Champion or the reunion with Christian and their current run as AEW World Tag Team Champions, Cope has showcased why he still has some time left in his legendary career.

During his time in AEW, ‘The Rated R Superstar’ has been an ultra-popular babyface with the fans. However, Cope has widely been regarded to be a much better heel throughout his career.

Copeland turning heel and going back to his ‘Ultimate Opportunist’ might see an even more sadistic, unhinged and unstoppable version of the legend looking for more ride in the sunset.

1. Jon Moxley

No AEW star has been more important to every stage of the company quite like Jon Moxley.

Coming in to legitimize the promotion after leaving WWE to his current Death Riders run and his importance to the main event picture, Mox stands at the mountaintop as one of the most influential figures in AEW history.

Moxley is a four-time AEW World Champion, former International Champion and the current Continental Champion.

With everything he has done in his time in AEW, it would be intriguing to see Mox embrace one of his older personas like ‘The Lunatic Fringe’ or his crazed CZW character in his current promotion in the near future.

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