WWE is looking to make a splash in the free agency market to kick off 2026 and may look to some New Japan Pro Wrestling stars to bring in soon.
Around this time of the year, many NJPW contracts come to an end, with those names becoming free agents.
Whether it be up-and-coming talents or prominent names, there could be a number of NJPW stars that may be brought into the company in the coming weeks and months.
Here are seven NJPW stars to potentially join WWE.
7. EVIL
At NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20, Aaron Wolf defeated EVIL to win the NEVER Openweight Championship.
Following this loss, reports circulated that EVIL was looking to explore some options outside of New Japan.
The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion is someone who has been one of the biggest heels in the promotion for the past few years.
Now with reports indicating that he will be heading to WWE, EVIL could be on his way to the biggest wrestling promotion in the world and might become a major player moving forward.
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6. TMDK (Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls)
Signing with WWE in 2016, Shane Haste and Mikey Nicholls came in and became part of the NXT roster.
Known as TM-61, Haste and Nicholls seemed destined to become NXT Tag Team Champions, but they were never able to get the job done.
Now recognized as TMDK, the Australian duo have accomplished a lot in New Japan Pro Wrestling, including being former IWGP and NJPW STRONG Tag Team Champions.
Since they have not been in NJPW over the past year, it would make sense if Haste and Nicholls made their return to WWE if they were given the shot to get a second stint in the company.
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5. El Phantasmo
Starting on the Canadian independent circuit, El Phantasmo made a name for himself that saw him travel around the world, starting in the United Kingdom.
After building himself up in places like RevPro Wrestling, ELP got a shot in New Japan Pro Wrestling where he has become a mainstay for the promotion since joining in 2019.
While he started as a junior heavyweight, ELP has since become a prominent part of the heavyweight division and the current NJPW World TV Champion.
Despite feeling like someone who will be loyal to NJPW, Phantasmo also feels like someone who checks all the boxes that WWE would be looking for in a free agent signing to the company.
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4. Robbie X
Someone who is new to the New Japan Pro Wrestling roster over the past year has been Robbie X.
Joining forces with The Bullet Club War Dogs, the UK standout has been able to showcase his exciting high flying style that made him one of the best in his country.
With over 17 years experience, Robbie X is someone who has been a positive addition to the junior heavyweight division in NJPW.
Considering his experience and style in the ring, Robbie X should be a star that WWE thinks about bringing into the promotion and playing a role in a place like NXT that needs veteran leadership right now.
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3. Drilla Moloney
Another member of the Bullet Club War Dogs that could be leaving New Japan is Drilla Moloney.
Signing with NJPW in June 2023, Moloney immediately joined forces with David Finlay and the Bullet Club War Dogs.
While he started alongside Clark Connors and being a former two-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, Moloney has since entered the heavyweight scene and recently started a new duo with Shingo Takagi as part of Unbound Company.
With Bullet Club War Dogs seemingly coming to an end and his contract reportedly expiring, Drilla Moloney could head to WWE for a full-time deal after appearing in NXT UK and become someone that can be counted on moving forward.
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2. David Finlay
Probably the biggest name that looks to be on their way out of New Japan very soon is David Finlay.
Starting as a NJPW dojo graduate, the second generation star rose the ranks over the past decade to become one of the top stars of the entire promotion.
Becoming the leader of the Bullet Club War Dogs, Finlay is the first ever and two-time IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion as well as a New Japan Cup winner in 2025.
After everything he has accomplished in NJPW over the past few years, it feels like the best time for Finlay to make a move to WWE where he could be a main event talent for NXT as well as knows his father and brother are currently working for the company.
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1. SANADA
Another NJPW star who has recently been rumored to leave the promotion is SANADA.
The former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion has been an integral part of the NJPW roster since coming to the promotion in 2016.
While his role has been diminished since his successful 2023 as the top star in the company, SANADA is still someone featured consistently as part of the House of Torture stable.
With signs pointing to his former tag team partner and House of Torture leader EVIL heading to WWE, it would perhaps make some sense if SANADA joined him in the company and the duo played a role as a tandem moving forward.
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