WWE and AEW's Most Pleasant Surprises of 2026

Pro wrestling fans can be very fickle and temperamental. It's often because many of us are chasing that feeling we had when wrestling was still new, and we weren't jaded.

Many viewers pine for a time when we didn't know as much, and it felt like anything could happen. It's harder to surprise us now because we're not as emotionally invested, or we have more access to backstage reports and rumors than we need.

Still, every once in a while, wrestling shocks us with an abrupt title change or an unexpected return, and we're tapped in again. It's not as easy to come by anymore, but the sport and the best performers in the world can still connect with audiences like no other form of entertainment.

These are the most pleasant surprises from WWE and All Elite Wrestling this year. Let us know your picks in the comments below.

Maya World's Breakout Run

Maya World has maximized her opportunities and exceeded expectations with AEW.

The independent standout from Texas teamed up with Hyan and quickly made a name for herself on AEW Collision. Although the two unsuccessfully challenged Divine Dominion for the women's tag titles during the Dynasty pre-show, The It Girl had an impressive showing in defeat.

Her Ring of Honor feud with Athena was also outstanding, but the 23-year-old stepped up as Sareee's replacement in the women's Owen Hart Cup tournament.

In three months, World went from Zero Hour to the main card of Forbidden Door, where she delivered a star-making performance against her dream opponent, Mercedes Moné, in the finals.

It has been a joy to watch her grow in 2026, and we can't wait to see what she does next. 

Danhausen's Inexplicable Rise In Popularity

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Danhausen is undoubtedly this year's most surreal and oddly satisfying success story in pro wrestling.

Who could have predicted that he would shrug off an underwhelming debut at Elimination Chamber and become one of the most popular WWE Superstars in record time? You couldn't possibly make this up, but it's because Danhausen has capitalized on every second of screen time.

It sounds absurd, but no other wrestler has benefited more from WWE's visibility on ESPN programming. His tongue-in-cheek role in the New York Knicks' historic NBA Championship win helped him enter the pop-culture zeitgeist, and he made the most out of the newfound exposure. 

Danhausen hasn't wrestled much, but his tag match against The Miz and Kit Wilson at Backlash was wildly entertaining. 

Kevin Knight's Quest For Championship Gold

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Kevin Knight was a tremendous signing from New Japan Pro-Wrestling, but many longtime fans believed it would take time for him to develop into a major player. 

It has been awesome to watch AEW subvert expectations and invest in him so early. As one-half of JetSpeed, the 29-year-old became a two-time Trios champion alongside "Hangman" Adam Page and later with Místico.

However, Knight showed so much promise in the main event of the Jan. 21 episode of Dynamite against Swerve Strickland. It's hard to believe The Jet had never held a singles title, but that would change at Dynasty where he pinned Daniel Garcia in the Casino Gauntlet match to win the TNT Championship.

In 81 days, Knight has racked up eight defenses against high-profile opponents and unsuccessfully challenged Darby Allin for the world title. 

Trick Williams' Move To SmackDown

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Trick Williams is oozing charisma, and it didn't take long for him to transition to a bigger audience.

The two-time NXT champion has been such a great addition to the SmackDown roster, and he's hotter than ever. His striking white fur coat and showstopping entrance have enhanced his presentation, but his gift of the gab has made him undeniable.

It grew impossible to root against him. So much so that Trick Willy defeated Sami Zayn at WrestleMania 42, accompanied by rapper Lil Yachty, to win the United States title, turning face in the process. 

Darby Allin's AEW World Championship Reign

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Darby Allin has emerged as one of the best television wrestlers on the AEW roster. 

Nevertheless, it seemed like his crowning moment had passed him by when Adam Page won the 2025 men's Owen Hart Cup tournament and dethroned Jon Moxley at All In: Texas.

Most fans didn't expect AEW to circle back to him this year, which made his upset win over MJF at Spring BreakThru even more rewarding.

We rarely see a world title change on its flagship series, but Allin's shocking win was perfectly executed. Even more, his 39-day reign as a headstrong, fighting champion was phenomenal.

In a month, Allin produced several memorable TV matches on Dynamite and Collision, conveyed a succinct story, matured into a better character, and evolved into a bigger star.

Sami Zayn's First World Title Win 

Sami Zayn's Undisputed WWE Championship win at Night of Champions was such an unexpected feel-good moment. 

Much of WWE programming has been too predictable and uninspiring since WrestleMania season. This was the refreshing change of pace that the company desperately needed to remind fans that it can still take a calculated risk. 

After 10 years, Zayn's first world title win felt long overdue. It would be easy to nitpick about the timing or his current heel character, but it just felt good to see him finally achieve his goal. 

The outpouring of love from his fans and peers made it even more satisfying. It was a testament to all the goodwill Zayn has generated throughout his career. How can you not be happy for The Last Real Good Guy?