With a deep roster of talented stars currently in TNA Wrestling, it could be that some top names are set to swap over to WWE NXT soon.
From contracts coming to an end at the end of the year to former WWE stars that may be poised to return to NXT after being released in the past — there could be some intriguing new additions coming soon to WWE from TNA Wrestling.
Here are nine TNA Wrestling stars that could be set to join WWE NXT.
9. Mara Sade
After having been released from NXT under her former character of Jakara Jackson, the engaging former member of the Meta-Four didn’t quit wrestling.
Instead going on to sign with TNA Wrestling under her new ring name Mara Sade, the former NXT star has already returned to the brand during the recent invasion storyline.
Certainly continuing her wrestling journey, Sade shows no signs of slowing down on her goals of continuing to make her mark in the industry.
With continued excellence in her in-ring work in addition to ability to create intriguing characters, it would seem that Sade could make a return to NXT in the coming year.
Click the next page button below for more
8. Matt & Jeff Hardy
A pair of professional wrestling legends that are seemingly wrapping up their current time in TNA Wrestling are Matt and Jeff Hardy.
While the Hardys lost the NXT Tag Team Championship back to Dark State’s Dion Lennox and Osiris Griffin, it doesn’t mean their appearances on NXT are over.
Possibly bringing their talents back to NXT first, the main roster iteration of Matt and Jeff Hardy could continue to wait until 2026.
With either (or both!) making for fun entrants in the 2026 Royal Rumble in Riyadh, it could be that there are a few more tales for the Hardys to tell on NXT before re-joining the main roster.
Click the next page button below for more
7. The IInspiration
Making their return to in-ring action in 2025, Jess McKay and Cassie Lee returned as strong as ever to TNA Wrestling as The IInspiration.
Formerly known as The IIconics during their run in WWE, the duo was met with a warm crowd reception when they returned to NXT TV for the recent invasion angle between the brands.
With the duo of McKay & Lee reportedly seeing their initial contracts with TNA Wrestling expire after Bound for Glory, there could be a way that the pair end up back in NXT sooner rather than later.
Continuing to hold the TNA Wrestling Knockouts Tag Team Championship, it would make sense to see The IInspiration stick around in TNA a bit longer before making the leap over to NXT.
Click the next page button below for more
6. Indi Hartwell
After being popular on NXT, Hartwell’s main roster run failed to catch fire in the same way as her past storylines.
When Hartwell was released from WWE in November 2024, she didn’t remain out of action for long as she took indie bookings and was eventually signed to TNA Wrestling.
Certainly with something still to prove, it would make complete sense to see Indi Hartwell make a return to NXT sometime in the future.
Currently holding three of her own indie wrestling titles, it would seem that Indi Wrestling was destined to make a return to NXT TV.
Click the next page button below for more
5. Leon Slater
Despite his young age at only 21-years old, Leon Slater has already had an impressive run in independent wrestling and TNA with recent appearances in NXT.
It seems that WWE has been impressed by Slater on NXT so far with some reports pointing to plans to see more of him in the brand in the future.
Involved in an engaging tag team with Je’Von Evans, the duo could be main roster ready before long when Slater is done with his current TNA Wrestling contract.
Reportedly set to remain with the company through 2026, this time next year could see Slater follow in the footsteps of Joe Hendry and become more of a fixture in NXT before officially signing on.
Click the next page button below for more
4. Joe Hendry
The most likely current TNA Wrestling name to head over to NXT in short order is Joe Hendry.
While the former TNA Wrestling Champion has already been making crossover appearances in NXT and even the WWE main roster in 2025, he is soon to be out of his contract with TNA.
With reports tapping Hendry as wrapping up with TNA Wrestling in 2025, it could be that Joe Hendry is the first new WWE signing in 2026 for the NXT brand.
Seemingly poised to be an anchor for the NXT brand in the year to come, it would make complete sense to see Joe Hendry going straight to the top.
Click the next page button below for more
3. Mike Santana
With Mike Santana finally able to capture the TNA Wrestling World Championship from Trick Williams at Bound for Glory, it would seem that he was on the top of the world in the company.
While he remains the top champ, he also is reportedly not under a long-term contract with TNA Wrestling and instead is also among the group that is only locked down until the end of 2025.
Potentially able to make the leap right to NXT, it could be that Santana doesn’t need a long reign with the TNA Wrestling Championship after a compelling chase for the title against Trick demonstrated his powerhouse skills.
Veteran in-ring abilities coupled with compelling character work complete with an endearing real life backstory of battling back after adversity, Mike Santana would make the ideal addition to WWE NXT in 2026.
Click the next page button below for more
2. Mustafa Ali
With a history in WWE and NXT, Mustafa Ali would be an incredible addition to the current roster.
While there will be a void of top heels in the absence of Trick Williams (who seems poised to be called up to the main roster), it could be Ali who fills the vacancy.
Able to continue his rivalries from the past and forge new ones entirely, Mustafa Ali could bring a brand new creative spin to the heel persona in NXT.
Bringing along his character from TNA or starting over entirely, Mustafa Ali has plenty of stories left to tell in WWE if given the opportunity.
Click the next page button below for more
1. Matt Cardona
One TNA Wrestling star that WWE fans continue to keep an eye out for clues of a potential return is the former Zack Ryder, Matt Cardona.
With Matt Cardona already featuring as a bit of a side character in the growing feud between AAA Mixed Tag Team Champions Chelsea Green & Ethan Page and Thea Hail & Joe Hendry — it could be that Cardona is making his way back to NXT soon.
Easily able to find himself in multiple storylines surrounding the current happenings, Cardona could also choose to target any number of interesting NXT singles stars including NXT Champion, Ricky Saints.
Able to have not only a wildly entertaining match but also one that could serve as a template for the growing technical prowess in NXT — a veteran presence like Matt Cardona could be the perfect addition to the current roster.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!
Comments.
Loading comments…