Andrade El Idolo’s Next AEW National Championship Challengers: Top 8 Candidates

AEW

Andrade El Idolo has held the AEW National Championship since AEW Redemption 2026, vowing to defend the title weekly and cement his legacy as the greatest champion in the title’s history. With a roster packed with elite talent, ‘The Real Latino Man’ faces a gauntlet of formidable contenders. Here are eight potential challengers who could next step up to face El Idolo for the National Championship.

8. Gabe Kidd

El Idolo recently retained his title against Gabe Kidd on the September 5 edition of AEW Collision. Despite the defeat, Kidd appears far from satisfied, prompting members of The Dogs to ambush El Idolo following his match against The Beast Mortos on the September 9 AEW Rebel Heart Dynamite. This unresolved tension sets the stage for a potential rematch for the National Championship in the near future.

7. David Finlay

As a key member of The Dogs, David Finlay is looking to make his mark in AEW’s singles division. Although he currently holds a 0-2 record in singles competition, Finlay showcased his elite pedigree during a highly competitive World Title Eliminator match against Will Ospreay on the September 9 Dynamite. Eager to replicate his singles success from New Japan Pro Wrestling, Finlay may soon set his sights on challenging El Idolo for the National Championship.

6. Mark Davis

El Idolo captured the National Championship by defeating Mark Davis at AEW Redemption 2026. During his two-month reign, Davis proved to be a highly formidable champion, establishing himself as a legitimate singles star in bouts against the likes of ‘Jungle’ Jack Perry and Xelhua. Now representing The Don Callis Family, ‘Dunkzilla’ will likely seek a rematch to reclaim the gold and complete his championship journey.

5. Nick Wayne

Nick Wayne is rapidly emerging as one of the premier young talents in AEW and ROH. At just 21 years old, ‘The Prodigy’ demonstrated his championship pedigree by pushing Bandido to the absolute limit for the ROH World Title at Death Before Dishonor 2026. After navigating his ongoing rivalry with Chris Jericho, Wayne has the potential to prove he is ready for singles gold by challenging El Idolo for the National Championship.

4. Komander

Since his return to All Elite Wrestling, the masked luchador Komander has delivered a series of thrilling performances, showcasing some of the most improved in-ring work in the company. His high-flying, lucha libre style presents a unique stylistic challenge for El Idolo. Utilizing his incredible speed and agility, Komander could very well be on the verge of capturing his first AEW championship by toppling the National Champion.

3. Tommaso Ciampa

Tommaso Ciampa made an immediate impact upon joining AEW in January, capturing the TNT Championship in his debut match against Mark Briscoe. Although his reign was brief, ‘The Psycho Killer’ proved he belongs at the very top of the card. Having declared his intention to win another championship, Ciampa carries added motivation after El Idolo triumphed in the Men’s Casino Gauntlet that Ciampa also competed in, giving him a personal score to settle by targeting the National Title.

2. RUSH

During his initial AEW tenure, El Idolo brought in his longtime friend and Los Ingobernables stablemate, RUSH. Although RUSH returned to the company in January, the two have yet to cross paths on television. After over two months away, RUSH could re-emerge and immediately confront his former ally. Driven by a desire to become a champion in AEW, RUSH might be willing to put their friendship on the line to tear the National Championship away from El Idolo.

1. MJF

Andrade El Idolo and MJF have been locked in a bitter, escalating rivalry over the past several months. The feud intensified after El Idolo betrayed MJF during the Death’s Door Steel Cage Match at Forbidden Door 2026, following MJF being denied a World Title shot. The duo has since engaged in a series of sneak attacks and petty thefts, including the stealing of the Dynamite Diamond Ring. With months of built-up animosity and no formal one-on-one match yet, the timing is perfect for MJF to return and challenge El Idolo for the National Championship.

Source link