TNA Wrestling has brought in several different stars into the company to bolster their roster to start 2026.
From talent from the independent scene to former WWE and AEW stars, there have been some solid additions that have made this new AMC era for TNA feel like a fresh product.
Whether it be Bear Bronson and The Righteous or Daria Rae and Elayna Black, these new faces could set the tone for even more debuting talent to make their way into the promotion in the coming weeks and months ahead.
Here are seven potential debuts on TNA IMPACT.
7. Richard Holliday
Richard Holliday is someone who has been making a name on the independent scene for the past decade.
As a singles star and in a handful of groups, Holliday has showcased himself to be one of the more impressive heels in wrestling today.
Most recently, Holliday was able to ply his trade and display his skills during a WWE tryout at the Performance Center.
While he could become the newest WWE signee, TNA Wrestling could swoop in to bring Holliday in and utilize him in their company in a major way.
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6. Mad Dog Connelly
When looking at the independent scene, there aren’t many who have been making as much noise as Mad Dog Connelly.
Having a wild man persona and known for his violent matches in the ring, Connelly has been one of the most talked about stars on the independent scene today.
Known for his steel chain and not wearing footwear to the ring, Connelly has earned the reputation as one of the most feared men on the indies today.
After making a name for himself in promotions like GCW, JCW and DPW, it feels like the right time for a major company like TNA Wrestling to call upon Connelly to give him an opportunity on a bigger stage like IMPACT on AMC.
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5. Calvin Tankman
Another star on the independent scene who has been gaining traction is Calvin Tankman.
Starting his career in 2016, Tankman immediately stood out because of his size and athletic ability.
Known for his hard hitting style in the ring, Tankman has earned a reputation as a must watch independent star over the past decade and could add some value to IMPACT.
Following the closing of DPW, Tankman is someone who seems ready for the next level and could be a wonderful acquisition for TNA Wrestling right now.
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4. Duke Hanson (Duke Hudson)
In February 2025, Duke Hudson was released from WWE after a near-six year run with the promotion.
Since then, Hudson has tried to reinvent himself as Duke Hanson, but he has only made limited appearances on the independent scene.
Considering his size, look and experience, TNA Wrestling would be lucky to grab a talent of Hanson’s stature.
Hanson signing with TNA could be the right move for both him and the promotion where his ability could shine on IMPACT in a meaningful way.
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3. Man Like DeReiss
Someone who is no stranger to TNA Wrestling over the past year is Man Like DeReiss.
Despite receiving a tryout on TNA Explosion in 2025, TNA Wrestling did not make the decision to sign DeReiss to a deal.
With his notable charisma and distinct character, DeReiss feels ready made for television and someone who could be a standout for the promotion in a similar vein to his tag team partner and current TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater.
Considering his connections with several stars on the roster and being only 29 years old, DeReiss could become a popular talent that garners the spotlight on TNA IMPACT moving forward.
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2. Shotzi Blackheart
As part of the latest slate of talent cuts, Shotzi Blackheart departed WWE after over five years with the company in May 2025.
With her look and charisma, Blackheart was someone who always stood out from the pack despite not receiving a noteworthy push in WWE.
Since her WWE exit, Shotzi has taken the indies by storm and become one of the most active stars in the scene today.
Having everything it takes to legitimately bolster their Knockouts division, TNA Wrestling would be wise to sign Shotzi and make her one of the featured acts on IMPACT during this AMC Network era.
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Dakota Kai (Charlie)
One of the most surprising releases from WWE during their latest round of talent cuts in May 2025 was definitely Dakota Kai.
Known as one of WWE’s most underrated female stars, Kai was someone who always felt like she could have achieved more in WWE.
Since leaving the company, Kai has been mostly quiet, but she will make her in-ring return when the former WWE star faces current AEW star Kris Statlander at EVE’s Wrestle Queendom VIII event on March 8.
Dakota Kai, now known as Charlie, should be a highly sought after free agent and someone that TNA can be confident will add a lot to the company as a consistent character on IMPACT.
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