Among some of the most exciting names in wrestling today are former NXT Champions with some potentially returning to WWE in 2026.
From long out of action stars to others that could return to WWE straight from another company or the indies — there are some exciting options for returns in the coming year.
Here are five former NXT Champions that could re-sign with WWE in 2026.
5. Paige
A legend from the WWE Women’s division that could make a return to WWE in 2026 is Paige.
Wrestling under her real first name Saraya during her spell in AEW, the star has demonstrated that she can still compete at a high level, capturing the AEW Women’s World Championship during her time in the company.
Potentially feuding with familiar faces like Nikki Bella and AJ Lee, Paige could also end up tangling with a whole new generation of talent in Jordynne Grace and Rhea Ripley.
Whether a heel or a babyface, WWE fans seem to continue to wonder about the return of Paige — a good sign that she could pop-up sometime in the near future.
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4. Karrion Kross
While Karrion Kross was picking up momentum with fans immediately before his departure from WWE, he dispelled myths that his exit was a storyline.
Rather taking the independent wrestling world by storm again, Karrion Kross along with his real life wife Scarlett continue performing around the country.
Potentially returning to WWE in the future, the former NXT Champion could certainly bridge the gap in his time away from the company in a seamless manner.
Mentioning in a promo that perhaps he was on an indie recruitment mission the entire time, perhaps Kross will make his way back to WWE in 2026.
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3. Mandy Rose
While Mandy Rose departed WWE in December 2022, she did not return to wrestling.
Rather kicking off a successful modeling and podcasting career, Rose isn’t shy about telling stories from her time in WWE but also hasn’t entirely closed the door on a return.
Noting in a recent interview that her dream match would be herself taking on Trish Stratus, perhaps there could be a future in-ring return.
From a Royal Rumble appearance to something more substantive, certainly fans would be excited to see what Mandy Rose could bring to WWE in 2026.
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2. Nic Nemeth
A potential returning NXT Champion who was much more well known for his tenure on the main roster is Dolph Ziggler.
After having received a warm reception during his losing bout against Solo Sikoa in the Last Time Is Now tournament to determine John Cena’s final opponent, the former Dolph Ziggler could make his way back in 2026.
Gaining acclaim in TNA Wrestling wrestling under his actual name Nic Nemeth, it could be that in 2026 WWE fans see more from the longtime star but in a crossover capacity rather than re-signing.
With TNA Wrestling beginning their own weekly TV series Thursday Night IMPACT! on AMC Network, it would seem that there will continue to be some overlap between TNA and at least NXT.
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1. Keith Lee
In one case of an AEW star who remains missing in action from a Tony Khan owned company, Keith Lee could make his way back to WWE in 2026.
Responding to a fan on social media who was inquiring about if Lee would be making an in-ring return in the future, the Limitless star was positive about the prospect.
Noting that he wasn’t able to reveal any specific time or place, he was certain that he would be in action in front of fans again.
Potentially in a different capacity than a full-time in-ring performer, Lee would make an amazing addition to any on-screen faction.
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