AEW has had an exciting start to the year. January 2026 saw debuts, returns, and CMLL dual-contract announcements. Sadly, there were also a high number of releases and contract annulments. However, AEW kicked off their year in style with thrilling matches without even a pay-per-view. Plus, fans were treated to Kenny Omega’s return.
Recapping this month’s best wrestlers wasn’t easy. I’m genuinely sad I couldn’t include more, but that speaks to the testament of those who cracked the top five. From drastic improvements to fantastic first impressions and everything in between, I think January has placed AEW in a great place.
So, who stamped their place as the most valuable players on the roster?
Willow Nightingale Pounced into Success
Starting with the most obvious, Willow Nightingale stepped into January as the TBS Champion. On December 31, 2025, New Year’s Smash, she dethroned Mercedes Mone’s 584-day reign and reunited with past ally Kris Statlander. She’s a double champion, carrying the Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside fellow Babe of Wrath Harley Cameron.
Throughout the month, she was embroiled in a feud with the Triangle of Madness. Joining her are Cameron and Statlander in a dominant force to challenge the chaotic evil faction. Babes of Wrath and Statlander began the year defeating Maya World, Hyan, and Vertvixen, but lost a trios match on the Maximum Carnage edition of Dynamite. However, Nightingale soundly defeated Julia Hart to retain her TBS title on the pre-recorded Collision on January 21.
Nightingale began the year with heavy momentum, everything going her way. I’ll go as far as to say that she’s become one of AEW’s “main characters.” I love to see it. That cheery smile, infectious demeanor, and overall hoss power, it’s hard not to root for her, a perennial babyface. In a time where it’s increasingly hard to smile, she’s a wrestler who makes it easier. This is the energy we need to carry into 2026. That’s why she’s one of January’s MVPs.
