5 things AEW should not do at Double or Nothing 2026

AEW Double or Nothing is one of Tony Khan’s promotion’s biggest PPVs of the year. This year’s show is set to take place on May 24, 2026, at the Louis Armstrong Stadium in Queens, New York. Considering the magnitude of the show, AEW has planned a stacked card of matches for the PPV. Double or Nothing will be headlined by Darby Allin and MJF, who will battle over the World Championship. To make this PPV near perfect, there are certain things that Tony Khan must avoid doing. In this article, we will discuss five things AEW should not do at Double or Nothing 2026.

#5. No surprise return

Considering that Double or Nothing is one of AEW’s biggest PPVs of the year, fans will expect some surprises to take place. One way Tony Khan could guarantee a surprise and make fans happy is by having a beloved star make his or her return.

The Jacksonville-based promotion currently has a lot of popular stars warming the bench. Wrestling like Keith Lee, Britt Baker, and Mercedes Mone could make a surprise return. Fans are eagerly waiting to see the CEO back in the ring. Therefore, it will be unfortunate if she does not make her return at Double or Nothing.

#4. Darby Allin retaining the AEW World Championship

Darby Allin shocked the world when he squashed MJF at AEW Dynamite Spring BreakThru to become the new World Champion. Since then, he has proven himself to be a fighting champion by defending the title against any challenger on a weekly basis.

However, since Darby won the title, Maxwell has been desperate to get a rematch. The World Champion agreed to the match on the condition that the Salt of the Earth put his hair on the line. Maxwell surprisingly agreed to the stipulation, and the match was made official for Double or Nothing.

Although Darby Allin is beloved among the fans, having him retain his title at Double or Nothing would be a mistake. Darby already squashed Maxwell once, and if he picks up another win against the former World Champion, then his credibility will take a massive hit. Additionally, if Maxwell loses, then he will have to get his head shaved, and that is not best for business.

#3. Swerve Strickland and Will Ospreay losing their respective matches

Sweve Strickland and Will Ospreay are two of the best in-ring performers in AEW. Strickland has already accomplished a lot in his AEW run. He is a former World Champion and was also involved in a brutal feud with Hangman Page. In recent months, Swerve has suffered some setbacks and has been struggling to get back into the World Title picture.

On the other hand, Will Ospreay has delivered some exceptional matches during his time with the Jacksonville-based promotion. In recent weeks, Ospreay has been training with the Death Riders. Both Swerve and Ospreay are set to compete in the Men’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament at Double or Nothing. Swerve will take on Bandido while Ospreay will face Samoa Joe. Given that both men need to get back into the World Title picture, they should be booked to win their respective matches. A loss so early in the Men’s Owen Hart Cup will only hurt the reputation of either man.

#2. Konosuke Takeshita should not stay in Don Callis Family after Double or Nothing

Konosuke Takeshita was the first member to join the Don Callis Family. Joining the group did wonders for his career. He became a prominent feature on AEW TV over the years and has won numerous titles outside the company.

However, Takeshita has had problems with Kazuchika Okada over the past few months. Both men want to prove themself to be the superior athlete, and this has created some tension among the group. Takeshita also made it clear that he was after the AEW International Championship currently held by Okada. Now, both men will face each other at Double or Nothing with the title on the line.

Okada will do whatever it takes to win the match and retain his title. Additionally, Don Callis will also help him retain his title against Takeshita. Therefore, after Double or Nothing, Takeshita should permanently leave the group. Staying with the Don Callis Family from here on out will only hurt his career.

#1. Cage and Cope should not lose to FTR

Adam Copeland and Christian Cage have been feuding with FTR for the past several months. The two teams first locked horns at All Out 2025, where it was Cage and Cope who emerged victorious. These two teams squared off again at Dynasty 2026. This time, it was Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler who emerged victorious.

Following this loss, Adam Copeland issued another challenge to FTR for a rematch. He even added the stipulation that if his team loses, then he and Christian will retire as a tag team. Now, both teams will compete at Double or Nothing.

Given the seriousness of the stipulation, Cope and Cage should not lose. They should not retire their tag team without winning the titles at least once. Therefore, Tony Khan should book them to win at Double or Nothing.