The January 2 edition of WWE SmackDown will serve as the first of the year, as well as the return of three-hour episodes.
With the show going back to three-hours, it would make sense for WWE to introduce some new stars to the blue brand and maximise that extra hour of TV time.
Starting off 2026 on the right note, the January 2 SmackDown could see any number of WWE NXT stars announcing their arrival on the show this Friday in Buffalo, New York.
Here are six potential debuts on the first WWE SmackDown of 2026.
6. Trick Williams
On the December 26 edition of WWE SmackDown, Trick Williams showed up as the latest free agent from NXT who is looking for a new home on the main roster.
The two-time NXT Champion is someone who has more than proven himself ready for the main roster spotlight.
After appearing on Monday Night Raw to tease his arrival there, SmackDown GM Nick Aldis might make Williams an offer he can’t refuse.
Trick Williams having his official in-ring debut on the January 2 SmackDown would be intriguing to add him to the mix, especially now that his former friend and tag team partner Carmelo Hayes is the new United States Champion.
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5. Ethan Page
Another WWE NXT star who has been seen on SmackDown a few times without an official debut is Ethan Page.
The reigning NXT North American Champion has been seen in the audience to support his tag team partner Chelsea Green.
Holding two titles at this time, Page would be someone that deserves an opportunity on the blue brand.
Page debuting alongside Green on SmackDown would be a good way to introduce him and make a smooth transition for “All Ego.”
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4. Jordynne Grace
At the beginning of 2025, Jordynne Grace signed with WWE after a lengthy run with TNA Wrestling.
The three-time TNA Knockouts World Champion has felt like someone who would be a solid addition to the main roster, but she started out on WWE NXT.
Despite getting several major opportunities, Grace has been unable to capture gold and reach the mountaintop on NXT.
With Grace reportedly under a main roster deal, fans could see Grace make her SmackDown debut on January 2 where she would be a much needed addition to the women’s division on the brand.
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3. Jacy Jayne
No one has done more to elevate their stock throughout 2025 quite like Jacy Jayne on the WWE NXT brand.
Winning the NXT Women’s Championship twice, Jayne has gone from the third wheel of Toxic Attraction to a top star for the brand and the leader of Fatal Influence.
After firmly establishing herself as someone ready for the main roster stage, it feels like the right time to give her a debut on Raw or SmackDown.
The January 2 episode could add a lot of intrigue by bringing Jacy Jayne up from NXT where she would add an interesting dynamic to the current SmackDown women’s scene.
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2. Ricky Saints
In February 2025, Ricky Saints got his release from All Elite Wrestling and immediately signed with WWE.
Since then, Saints has solidified himself as a main event talent for the NXT brand and has captured championship gold.
The former NXT Champion has quickly taken the brand by storm and has what it takes to do the same on the WWE main roster whenever the time is right.
Ricky Saints getting called up to SmackDown could create a compelling storyline where his new attitude might rub others the wrong way, including his real-life friend and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.
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1. Oba Femi
Someone who is no stranger to Cody Rhodes after his recent interactions is the current NXT Champion, Oba Femi.
After going one-on-one with the Undisputed WWE Champion at WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, there have been vignettes starting to air on Raw and SmackDown to hype the arrival of “The Ruler.”
The two-time NXT Champion has been a dominant force that has been unstoppable on the brand over the past three years.
Now feeling more than ready for the next stage of his career, Femi should become an instant top player whenever he is called up and could be a high profile addition to SmackDown that adds a great deal of intrigue to the main event picture.
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