Published: Sep 4, 2026 by SP3 | Last Updated: Sep 4, 2026 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
On the September 3 edition of ROH on Honor Club, Bandido defeated The Beast Mortos to retain the ROH World Title.
Bandido’s title reign currently stands at over 515 days, making him one of the longest men’s world champions ever.
Considering the array of talent in ROH and AEW, there could be any number of names that might step up next to dethrone “The Most Wanted.”
Here are seven potential next ROH World Championship challengers for Bandido.
7. Nick Wayne
At ROH Death Before Dishonor 2026, Bandido defeated Nick Wayne to retain the ROH World Championship.
This proved to be a breakout performance for Wayne, who truly pushed Bandido to his limits.
At just 21 years old, “The Prodigy” is looking to become the youngest world champion in history.
After coming so close to victory, Wayne could be next up and might just need one more shot to place his name in the record books.
6. Mark Davis
Mark Davis has been one of the most reliable in-ring workers in All Elite Wrestling this year.
Consistently delivering entertaining matches, “Dunkzilla” has established himself as a mainstay on the roster.
After his reign as AEW National Champion, Davis might want to bring another title to The Don Callis Family.
With an undefeated record on Ring of Honor television, it would make sense for Davis to be the next challenger for Bandido sooner rather than later.
5. Shane Taylor
Another AEW and ROH star who has been in pursuit of the ROH World Title in the past is Shane Taylor.
The leader of Shane Taylor Promotions has been denied his one-on-one opportunity at the top prize in Ring of Honor.
Looking to bring the one title that has eluded him, Taylor could be exactly the individual who might have what it takes to take down Bandido.
With his experience against him in the past and his overwhelming size advantage, Taylor could have what it takes to be the man to dethrone Bandido and end this lengthy reign.
4. RUSH
One former ROH World Champion who could look for another run with the gold is RUSH.
The former two-time ROH World Champion is someone who is no stranger to Bandido.
In fact, RUSH’s last run with the gold was ended at the hands of Bandido back in 2021.
Now all these years later, Bandido and RUSH could rekindle their rivalry for the ROH World Title before long.
3. “Blackheart” Lio Rush
Over the past few months, there might not be a more popular character in AEW or Ring of Honor than “Blackheart” Lio Rush.
Earlier this year, Rush won his first singles title in Ring of Honor when he captured the ROH World TV Title from AR Fox and Action Andretti at Global Wars: Cincinnati.
However, Rush then lost the gold to his former CRU tag team partner Andretti in a Fight Without Honor at ROH Death Before Dishonor 2026.
“Blackheart” changing his focus to the ROH World Title would be very interesting and make for a tough test for Bandido’s reign.
2. Sammy Guevara
After getting by The Beast Mortos on the September 3 ROH on Honor Club, Bandido might have to compete with another LFI member.
Over the past few years, Sammy Guevara has become one of the most decorated stars in Ring of Honor.
The three-time ROH World Tag Team Champion has usually had gold around his waist when he appears in Ring of Honor.
Looking to finally become a world champion, Guevara could step up to face Bandido for the ROH World Title in the near future.
1. Lee Moriarty
Back at ROH Death Before Dishonor 2024, Lee Moriarty defeated Wheeler Yuta to win the ROH Pure Championship.
Over the last two years, Moriarty has proven himself as the greatest Pure Champion in the title’s history.
“Taigastyle” has more than solidified himself in the Pure division and could be next up for the ROH World Championship soon.
Wanting to become only the second man after Bryan Danielson to achieve this feat, Moriarty could beat Bandido to hold both the Pure Title and ROH World Championship at one time.
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