Published: 3 seconds ago by SP3 | Last Updated: 3 seconds ago by SP3
Born in Harlem, New York and now living in the Bronx, Sid Pullar III aka SP3 is a lifelong wrestling fan who has been covering the industry for over nine years as a podcaster and writer. His passion for the industry has been documented with over 3,000 videos on YouTube and 8,000 written pieces across multiple outlets, such as WrestleTalk, Sports Illustrated and more.@TruHeelSP3
AEW
Since AEW Redemption 2026, Andrade El Idolo has reigned as the AEW National Champion.
Following his win in the Men’s Casino Gauntlet at AEW All In London 2026, El Idolo has promised to become the greatest National Champion of all time by defending his title every week.
Considering the level of talent on the AEW roster, there could be some tough tests ahead for “The Real Latino Man.”
Here are eight potential Andrade El Idolo next AEW National Championship challengers.
8. Gabe Kidd
On the September 5 edition of AEW Collision, Andrade El Idolo defeated Gabe Kidd to retain the AEW National Championship.
While he scored the win, it does not seem like Kidd thinks the score has been settled.
This led to The Dogs jumping Andrade after his victory over The Beast Mortos on the September 9 AEW Rebel Heart Dynamite.
Following this latest attack, Andrade could step back in the ring with Gabe Kidd for the National Title before long.
7. David Finlay
Speaking of The Dogs, David Finlay has been starting to cut his teeth in the singles scene.
On the September 9 AEW Rebel Heart Dynamite, Finlay had a competitive effort against Will Ospreay in an AEW World Title Eliminator match.
While he currently stands at 0-2 in singles action in AEW, Finlay is someone who has proven himself to be a decorated star during his time in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Wanting to match his singles success from Japan, Finlay could target Andrade for a shot at the AEW National Championship in the near future.
6. Mark Davis
At AEW Redemption 2026, Andrade El Idolo defeated Mark Davis to win the AEW National Championship.
Holding the gold for over two months, Davis proved himself to be a formidable titleholder.
Whether it be against “Jungle” Jack Perry or Xelhua, Davis established himself as a singles star with his National Title run.
Now wanting to bring the gold back to The Don Callis Family, “Dunkzilla” could earn himself a rematch against Andrade that might be all he needs to become champion again.
5. Nick Wayne
One of the recent breakout stars in AEW and Ring of Honor has been Nick Wayne.
At ROH Death Before Dishonor 2026, Wayne pushed Bandido to the limit for the ROH World Championship.
Considering “The Prodigy” is only 21 years old, Wayne feels like a star who will undoubtedly become a singles champion in All Elite Wrestling.
Following his current rivalry with Chris Jericho, Wayne might just prove he has what it takes to become the next AEW National Champion against Andrade El Idolo.
4. Komander
Since returning to All Elite Wrestling, Komander has been on a roll of exciting performances.
The masked luchador has proven himself to be one of the most improved competitors in the company.
Being able to match his lucha libre influence, Komander might be an ideal opponent for Andrade El Idolo.
With the ability to use his speed to his advantage, Komander could be on his way to winning his first championship in AEW against Andrade El Idolo for the National Title.
3. Tommaso Ciampa
Back in January, Tommaso Ciampa arrived in All Elite Wrestling and immediately defeated Mark Briscoe to become the new TNT Champion.
Despite this reign being short-lived, Ciampa instantly showcased that he had what it takes to be a champion in AEW.
“The Psycho Killer” has now stated that he plans to become a champion again.
Considering Andrade El Idolo won the Men’s Casino Gauntlet that he competed in, Ciampa has extra motivation to avenge that loss by taking his AEW National Championship down the line.
2. RUSH
During his first run in All Elite Wrestling, Andrade El Idolo brought in his longtime friend and Los Ingobernables stablemate RUSH into the company.
While he returned in January, El Idolo has yet to interact with RUSH on AEW TV.
After being absent for over two months now, RUSH could walk back into the promotion and immediately confront his friend.
Expressing his desire to become a champion in AEW, it makes sense if RUSH is willing to put their friendship aside to capture the National Title from Andrade.
1. MJF
Over the past few months, Andrade El Idolo and MJF have been embroiled in a heated rivalry.
After denying him an AEW World Title shot, MJF was betrayed by Andrade during the Death’s Door Steel Cage Match at Forbidden Door 2026.
From there, El Idolo and MJF have been at each other’s throats with sneak attacks and stealing the Dynamite Diamond Ring.
While this story has been going on for months, they have never faced one-on-one, so it feels like the right time for AEW to pull the trigger on MJF challenging Andrade for the National Championship upon his return.
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