WWE Royal Rumble 2026 could present the company with the opportunity to feature talent from outside the promotion.
Over the past few years, WWE has developed relationships with the likes of TNA Wrestling, Lucha Libre AAA, Pro Wrestling NOAH and Marigold among others.
Whether it be talent from United States of America, Mexico or Japan, this year’s Royal Rumble could see some stars from multiple promotions appearing in the Men’s or Women’s iteration of the titular bouts.
Here are eight potential WWE Royal Rumble 2026 entrants from other companies.
8. Leon Slater
Over the past few months, fans have seen Leon Slater become a regular part of WWE television.
“The Youngest In Charge” has challenged Oba Femi for the NXT Championship and teamed with Je’Von Evans against AJ Styles and Dragon Lee on the December 13 WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event.
After being highlighted on WWE programming, Slater could get spotlighted in the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble Match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
After his recent surprise appearance against Carmelo Hayes for the United States Championship on the January 16 SmackDown, Slater might get his next opportunity to be featured in WWE during the Men’s Rumble on January 31.
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7. Nic Nemeth (Dolph Ziggler)
Another TNA Wrestling contracted talent who has been featured on WWE programming recently is Nic Nemeth.
During the Last Time Is Now Tournament, Nemeth appeared as Dolph Ziggler against Solo Sikoa on the November 17 Monday Night Raw.
Signing with TNA back in 2024, Nemeth has become one of the top stars in the promotion.
The former TNA World Champion could get another surprise return for WWE, competing in the Men’s Royal Rumble Match.
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6. Ash By Elegance
As part of the partnership between WWE NXT and TNA Wrestling, Ash By Elegance was another star who made a return to the company.
Back at NXT Heatwave 2025, Ash defeated Masha Slamovich and Jacy Jayne to win the TNA Knockouts World Championship.
The former Dana Brooke relinquished the title due to not being medically cleared to compete back in September. After being out of action for four months, Ash By Elegance was medically cleared recently on the January 22 TNA Thursday Night IMPACT.
After getting physical for the first time in months, Ash By Elegance could make her return to WWE at Royal Rumble 2026 this Saturday and compete with the best female stars the company has to offer.
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5. Mr. Iguana
No other Lucha Libre AAA star made a better first impression to the WWE audience when he debuted at Worlds Collide: Los Angeles quite like Mr. Iguana.
With his trusty mascot La Yesca by his side, Iguana made an undeniable connection with the American fans in a major way.
Since then, Iguana has made several different appearances on WWE programming whether it be WWE NXT or Friday Night SmackDown.
Iguana appearing in the Men’s Royal Rumble would be another great way to highlight the luchador and AAA on a grand stage in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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4. El Hijo del Vikingo
Another Lucha Libre AAA star who has made an impact in the United States since WWE’s acquisition of the promotion is El Hijo del Vikingo.
The former two-time AAA Mega Champion has electrified fans with his amazing high flying ability, while the Mexican audience completely turned on him following WWE acquiring the promotion.
Turning heel has caused Vikingo to become a key and central figure for this new era of Lucha Libre AAA.
After it was recently revealed that he is officially signed with WWE, it would make a ton of sense if Vikingo made an appearance in the Men’s Royal Rumble and was showcased as the top star in AAA.
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3. Moose
Since forming a partnership with WWE, several TNA Wrestling stars have made several appearances on the company’s programming.
Mostly on WWE NXT, Moose has been an important figure in this working relationship between the two promotions.
Whether it be challenging Oba Femi for the NXT Championship or his recent match against Ethan Page for the North American Title, Moose has been featured as a threat to any and every title on the brand.
Being one of TNA Wrestling’s biggest stars, Moose could play a crucial role in the Men’s Royal Rumble and be introduced to an even bigger audience as a result.
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2. Mike Santana
Another TNA Wrestling star who has played a huge role in their partnership with WWE NXT is Mike Santana.
Making his first appearance at WWE NXT Battleground 2025, Santana has stood out from the pack of other TNA Wrestling stars with his impressive talking ability, in-ring skills and character work.
On the January 15 AMC premiere edition of TNA Thursday Night IMPACT, Santana defeated Frankie Kazarian to win the TNA World Title.
Now holding the top prize in TNA, WWE could give the company a major spotlight by having Santana being featured in the Royal Rumble Match.
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1. Mayu Iwatani
In October 2025, IYO SKY made her return to Japan and competed in a high profile bout on the Marigold Grand Destiny 2025 event.
Facing her longtime rival dating back to her STARDOM days, SKY defeated Mayu Iwatani in this headline match.
Now wanting to give the Marigold roster some shine, WWE could allow Iwatani to appear during the Women’s Royal Rumble on January 31.
Getting the chance to face off with IYO SKY once more or even confront her former STARDOM peer Kairi Sane, Mayu Iwatani could perform in front of the biggest audience of her career at WWE Royal Rumble 2026.
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