With the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026 still with names to be revealed, there could be some former World Champions joining the ranks.
From legendary names from the past that could make their return to the company for the event or even some more familiar faces that haven’t been gone long — there are several top candidates amongst the elite list of men to have captured the WWE World Championship during their career.
Here are five former WWE World Champions to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
5. Big Show
One very worthy former World Champion that has yet to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame is The Big Show, Paul Wight.
Being the holder of a unique accomplishment, Paul Wight has World title victories that not only span his storied career — they span companies as well.
The only wrestler to have held the WCW World Championship, the WWE World Championship as well as the ECW World Championship — Big Show is certainly a worthy induction in the future.
Potentially delayed related to his continued contract with AEW, it might be that fans have to continue to wait a bit longer to see the Big Show join the WWE Hall of Fame.
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4. John Cena
With WWE potentially looking to capitalize off of the recent buzz surrounding John Cena’s retirement, it could be that 2026 is his year to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Although fan interest remains high, there could certainly be a case to be made for why an induction may be delayed several years into the future.
With likely busy Hollywood schedules to be worked around in order to facilitate numerous appearances over the course of the weekend’s WrestleMania events — perhaps Cena will make his return to WWE at a future Mania.
With WrestleMania 42 confirmed to be taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — it might be that John Cena’s WWE Hall of Fame induction doesn’t come until at least 2027.
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3. Batista
A fan favorite former WWE World Champion that is still not inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame is Batista.
Previously announced as a headliner for the Class of 2020, the pandemic prevented that induction and thereby delayed the honor until a future date in which the former World Champ could appear.
After having made the leap into Hollywood acting roles, Dave Bautista keeps a busy filming schedule and one that has likely prevented his appearance for an induction.
However, with recent projects coming up that feature familiar WWE faces including the Highlander reboot also set to feature Drew McIntyre — perhaps there could be a return in the works for 2026.
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2. CM Punk
After making a massive return to WWE in a shocking moment at Survivor Series 2023, CM Punk certainly has changed the landscape on the main roster.
However, with a long career of achievements already behind him, it could be that CM Punk is poised for induction sometime in the near future.
While it seems highly unlikely that the current WWE World Champion CM Punk will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2026 — he is certainly a worthy entrant.
With a storied career that spans decades in addition to promotions, Punk is seemingly a shoo-in for future induction.
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1. AJ Styles
Another potentially retiring star that could end up finding himself inducted straight into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2026 is the legendary AJ Styles.
Having held the WWE Universal Championship twice, Styles also held the IWGP Heavyweight Championship two times as well as capturing TNA Wrestling World Championship twice.
Certainly boasting accomplishments across his career and across the world, AJ Styles seems to be the perfect future candidate to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Possibly with the induction coming as early as 2026, AJ Styles could already have a special retirement plan in the works.
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