If you’ve spent any time on wrestling Twitter lately, you know the vibe. It’s a mix of "Where is she?" and "Is she ever coming back?" We’re deep into January 2026, and the absence of the "Face of the Women’s Division" is starting to feel less like a hiatus and more like a permanent mystery. Honestly, it’s wild to think that the woman who literally carried AEW’s female roster on her back during the Daily’s Place era has become a ghost on the very show she helped build.
The Reality of the Dr. Britt Baker AEW Status Update
Let’s get the contract stuff out of the way first because that’s where most of the confusion starts. Despite all the rumors that she was trying to jump ship to WWE or that she’d already signed a secret release, Britt Baker is still under contract with AEW.
Back in late 2021, she signed a massive five-year extension. By the math, that keeps her locked in until late 2026. However, there’s a catch. Because she’s missed so much time over the last two years due to a laundry list of health issues—we’re talking herniated disks, a torn hip labrum, and that terrifying mini-stroke in late 2024—Tony Khan has the legal right to "freeze" her contract. If AEW adds that injury time onto the back end, she could technically be stuck in her current deal well into 2027.
Tony Khan has been asked about this a lot lately. He’s usually pretty vague, but his most recent comments to the media have been consistent: he loves Britt, he respects her work ethic as a full-time dentist, and he’s "waiting for the right time" to bring her back.
But it’s been over a year. Her last televised match was a win against Penelope Ford back in November 2024. A feud with Serena Deeb was teased right after that match, but then... nothing. Silence.
Backstage Heat or Just Bad Timing?
You can't talk about Britt’s status without mentioning the elephant in the room. The 2024 suspension.
For those who missed the drama, there was a legitimate backstage confrontation involving Britt, MJF, and his girlfriend Alicia Atout. It wasn't just a "wrestling angle." It was real, it was messy, and it resulted in Britt being suspended for a few weeks. While she eventually came back for a short stint, many insiders believe the culture backstage shifted.
Basically, the locker room she left in 2023 isn't the one she’d be returning to now. With the arrival of Mercedes Moné and the rise of stars like Mariah May and Willow Nightingale, the "D.M.D." isn't the only sun in the AEW galaxy anymore. Some reports suggest Britt felt the environment had changed around her, leading to those "early release" rumors that Tony Khan eventually shot down.
Why She Isn’t Rushing Back
- The Dental Practice: Unlike most wrestlers who rely solely on a downside guarantee, Britt is an actual dentist. She has a thriving practice in Pittsburgh. She doesn't need the wrestling paycheck to pay her mortgage, which gives her a level of leverage most of the roster just doesn't have.
- Personal Life Changes: Her highly publicized split from Adam Cole in late 2024 changed the dynamic too. Cole moved back to Pennsylvania while Britt stayed in Pittsburgh. Working in the same building as your ex is never easy, especially in the high-stress world of pro wrestling.
- Physical Health: After a mini-stroke and serious back issues, you don't just "hop back in." She’s likely being incredibly cautious about her long-term health.
What Most People Get Wrong About the WWE Rumors
Every time Britt posts a photo of her dog or a video of her at a Steelers game, people flood the comments with "NXT bound!" or "See you at the Rumble!"
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Here’s the thing: WWE can't even talk to her. Not legally, anyway. Since she’s under contract until at least late 2026, any serious negotiation would be considered contract tampering. While some former AEW names like Jade Cargill and Stephanie Vaquer have made the jump and thrived, Britt’s situation is different because of her dental career. WWE usually requires talent to be on the road constantly. Would they let her fly home every week to fill cavities? Maybe, but it’s a big "if."
The Path Forward
So, what actually happens next? If you're a fan, you're looking at a few realistic scenarios.
First, she could make a surprise return at a major event like Revolution to kickstart a final run before her contract expires. Tony Khan loves a "big surprise," and there is no bigger name currently on the shelf than Baker.
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Second, the two sides could reach a "buyout" agreement. If Britt truly feels she’s done everything she can in AEW and Tony doesn't have a creative spot for her, they might just shake hands and part ways early. This is rare in AEW, but it’s not impossible.
Lastly—and this is the one fans dread—she might just "ride out" the contract at home. We’ve seen it happen with other talent where they just stay off TV until the clock runs out.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to stay ahead of the curve on her status, stop looking at the rumor mills and start looking at these three things:
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- AEW’s Pittsburgh Dates: If AEW announces a show at the Petersen Events Center and Britt isn't on the poster, that’s a massive red flag.
- Trademark Filings: Keep an eye on any new trademarks for "Britt Baker" or "D.M.D." outside of AEW’s umbrella.
- Social Media Purges: Wrestlers love to "black out" their Instagram or remove company mentions from their bio right before a major move. She hasn't done this yet, which suggests things are still status quo for now.
The bottom line is that the Dr. Britt Baker AEW status update is currently a stalemate. She’s too big to be ignored, but the "right time" for a return seems to keep moving further down the road. Whether she's waiting for a specific creative pitch or just enjoying life without taking bumps, the wrestling world is a lot quieter without the D.M.D. microphone in hand.
To keep a pulse on this, you should check the official AEW roster page weekly; once her profile moves to the "Alumni" section or she's added back to the active rankings, you'll have your answer.