On Saturday, May 9, WWE will present their next premium live event with Backlash 2026 from Tampa, Florida.
While the company should assemble an entertaining card of action, fans might be looking forward to some debuts throughout the night as well.
Following WrestleMania 42, WWE has always been known to call up talent from NXT and also new signings that can come in to make a major impact.
Here are seven potential debuts at WWE Backlash 2026.
7. Mike Santana
Over the past two years, Mike Santana has cemented himself as one of the biggest stars in TNA Wrestling.
Now the reigning and defending two-time TNA World Champion, Santana has shown the world that he was born for the main stage.
Over the past year, Santana has been able to display his skills on WWE TV over on the NXT brand in several different appearances.
After recently tearing up alongside OTM against DarkState on the March 31 edition of WWE NXT, it might be time for Santana to showcase himself on the main roster stage at an event like Backlash 2026.
6. Jacy Jayne
Jacy Jayne has emerged as a bonafide superstar over the past year after dominating the NXT women’s division.
Starting as a member of Toxic Attraction back in 2021, Jayne has grown by leaps and bounds to become a two-time NXT Women’s Champion and a former TNA Knockouts World Champion.
After recently losing the NXT Women’s Championship to Lola Vice, it feels like the right time for the Fatal Influence leader to make the jump to the main roster.
Getting a debut at WWE Backlash 2026, Jayne would be getting a major stamp of approval from the company that she is viewed as a breakout star worthy of having her arrival on one of their premium live events.
5. Ricky Saints
Signing with WWE in February 2025, Ricky Saints did not waste any time in immediately proving himself to be a champion.
It only took one month for Saints to capture the NXT North American Championship. Then later that same year, Ricky would become only the second man to defeat Oba Femi and win the NXT Championship.
While that reign did not last long, Saints has more than solidified himself as one of the main event level talents on the NXT roster.
Considering his former rival and frenemy Ethan Page was called up on the WWE Raw After WrestleMania 42, Saints could be next in line to make a similar jump to the main roster stage at the upcoming Backlash 2026 PLE.
4. Blake Monroe
Ever since Blake Monroe came to WWE, it has felt like only a matter of time before she became a main roster star.
The former Mariah May broke out in Japan with the STARDOM promotion before signing with All Elite Wrestling in 2023.
In just two years, Monroe became the AEW Women’s World Champion and put on one of the most memorable women’s storylines of the modern era with “Timeless” Toni Storm.
After less than a year on NXT and one reign as NXT Women’s North American Champion, Monroe could quickly make the next step in her progression by debuting on the main roster at the WWE Backlash 2026 show from Tampa.
3. Hiromu Takahashi
To the shock of many fans, Hiromu Takahashi announced his departure from New Japan Pro Wrestling after 15 years with the company.
Considered by many to be one of the greatest junior heavyweights in the promotion’s history, there is no denying the success that Takahashi garnered over the past decade and a half.
As the only four-time winner of the Best of Super Juniors tournament and a five-time IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion, Takahashi is now a free agent who has a resume that can stand up to anyone else’s.
Hiromu signing with WWE could make for a significant acquisition that would bolster the roster and put a huge spotlight on Hiromu if it happens at Backlash 2026.
2. EVIL
Another former NJPW star who recently exited the company over the past few months is EVIL.
Following NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20, the House of Torture leader departed the promotion to explore options outside of Japan.
It was then reported that EVIL was expected to sign with WWE and wanted to start out his run on the NXT brand.
Having 15 years of experience for NJPW, it feels like EVIL should find himself on the main roster stage and could make his presence felt by marking his arrival at the WWE Backlash 2026 premium live event.
1. Zilla Fatu
Over the past few years, Zilla Fatu has made it no secret that he would like to join WWE at some time down the road.
Despite only having three years of experience, the son of Umaga has become one of the most prominent stars across the independent scene today.
Wanting to join the family dynasty that currently sits atop of WWE, Fatu would further bolster the ranks of The Bloodline that has dominated the company.
With his cousins Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu set to do battle at the event, Zilla could significantly alter the landscape of this highly anticipated bout by making his debut to align with one member of the legendary family at WWE Backlash 2026.
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