On the first SmackDown of fans were given a very welcome surprise when Matt Cardona made his return to WWE, officially signing on to join the roster.
With WWE perhaps looking to follow suit by introducing more new and returning faces for the Raw brand, there are many potential additions we could see made on the January 5 episode.
Here are six more potential new WWE signings to be confirmed on the first Raw of 2026.
6. Brie Bella
One of the biggest surprise WWE returns of 2025 came early in the year, when Nikki Bella showed up as the number 3o entrant in the Women’s Royal Rumble.
With Nikki returning, fans understandably held the expectation all year long that her twin sister Brie would eventually follow suit, however, that never ended up happening.
While there’s not been much indication that WWE have interest in Brie, Nikki’s current lack of success as a singles star has left her needing something new in 2026.
Brie returning on the first Raw of 2026 could see the pair turn their attention towards winning their first ever WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles between now and WrestleMania 42.
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5. Dolph Ziggler
With WWE re-signing Matt Cardona, perhaps there’s also hope for Dolph Ziggler – who also made an excellent impression in his return to the company during the Last Time is Now Tournament.
Facing off with Solo Sikoa in what was one of the standout matches of the tournament, Ziggler proved exactly why he was such a fan favorite for so many years.
Unlike Cardona, Ziggler has not voiced his desire to want a full-time WWE return, so his return is far less likely. However, it’s evident that he hasn’t lost a step in the ring and could certainly embark on one more run in the company in 2026.
Adding depth to the Raw roster and helping put a shine on the rising talent in the company, Ziggler is someone that WWE would be wise to re-sign if he’s interested.
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4. David Finlay
With his NJPW deal coming up, David Finlay is reportedly keen to explore his options as a free agent.
Still in his early 30s, Finlay has his whole career in front of him and 2026 feels like the right time to embark on a new chapter, whether that be AEW or WWE.
While AEW may seem perhaps more likely on paper, especially with his fellow Bullet Club War Dog stablemates also potentially set to become free agents, Finlay does have obvious ties to WWE as well.
With his legendary father Fit Finlay working backstage in WWE and his younger brother Uriah Connors rising up the ranks in NXT as a member of Chase U, Finlay could make it a full family reunion by signing with WWE. While he could join his brother in NXT, a debut on Raw would solidify him as a big deal from the get go and set him up for success in 2026.
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3. Private Party
Having not appeared on AEW TV since January 2025, Isiah Kassidy and Marq Quen look poised to potentially exit the company once their contracts expire.
While there were reports for much of the year that their AEW deals were up soon, they enter 2026 still with the company, that is according to the AEW official roster page anyway.
With WWE said to be interested in them, Private Party would make perfect additions to the blossoming Raw tag team division – making an immediate impact by challenging new WWE World Tag Team Champions The Usos on their very first night.
While it may come a little too soon, Zay & Quen debuting on the first Raw of 2026 would make for an unforgettable moment.
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2. Chris Jericho
Much like Private Party, it feels like a matter of when and not if when it comes to Chris Jericho exiting AEW.
Not competing in the company since AEW Dynasty back in April 2025, Jericho seems poised to make a stunning return to WWE almost eight years on from his last appearance.
While the Royal Rumble Match has long been the expected date fans will see Y2J back inside a WWE ring, there has also been plenty of speculation that his return could come a lot sooner.
Kicking off 2026 with an almighty bang, Jericho could make his return to the company at the very end of WWE Raw’s first broadcast of the year on January 5 – giving fans a heck of a talking point heading into the Royal Rumble.
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1. Karrion Kross & Scarlett
Arguably WWE’s most discussed talent exit of 2025 was the husband and wife duo of Karrion Kross & Scarlett.
After building a strong connection with the fan base despite often only appearing in backstage segments, Kross became known as a master manipulator and instigator for many babyface stars to take a turn to the dark side.
However, after failing to get Sami Zayn to follow that path at SummerSlam, Kross and Scarlett exited the company after their contracts expired.
While there hasn’t been any indication that WWE are interested in re-signing the pair, it can’t be ruled out either, with Kross certainly seeming willing to return in his post-exit interviews. Making for a genuine surprise for the first Raw of 2026, Kross and Scarlett’s return to Raw would make for an exciting moment that is sure to get fans talking after the show.
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