2026 is set to be a huge year for TNA Wrestling as the company makes their debut on AMC Network following their agreement to bring Thursday Night Impact to the station.
With an influx of money coming in from the deal and wanting to create their own identity on their new home, TNA should consider looking to the free agent market to bolster their roster before this massive premiere on January 15.
When looking at the current free agents, there is a plethora of talent that the company can recruit to bring into the promotion in significant roles.
Here are nine potential new TNA Wrestling signings in 2026.
9. Priscilla Kelly (Gigi Dolin)
In May 2025, WWE had its latest slate of talent cuts with over 15 wrestlers being released from the company.
Among the names who were released is Gigi Dolin, who has gone on to become Priscilla Kelly once again.
Kelly has hit the ground running back on the independent scene, appearing for multiple promotions and making a name for herself outside of the WWE bubble.
Knowing her experience and charisma, Kelly is someone that TNA Wrestling should pursue to add further depth to their Knockouts division.
Click the next page button below for more
8. Nixon Newell & Miranda Alize
Another part of the company that needs more talent added to it is the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship picture.
While The IInspiration currently hold the gold, there are not a lot of other duos who are gunning for Cassie Lee and Jess McKay right now.
Getting a look from AEW, Nixon Newell and Miranda Alize looked to be recruited by Tony Khan’s promotion until creative differences led to their abrupt exit from the promotion.
Still looking to make a name for themselves as a team, Alize and Newell might find new opportunities to explore in TNA as they make the move to AMC in the new year.
Click the next page button below for more
7. Janai Kai
Janai Kai is someone who has made a name for herself across the independent scene with a striking and karate based style inside the squared circle.
Making her way to Major League Wrestling, Kai was able to capture the MLW Featherweight Championship. However, Kai made the decision to leave the promotion at the beginning of 2025.
Considering the lack of depth in the TNA Knockouts division, the company would be wise to snag up someone with the credentials of Kai right now.
With her experience in MLW and in other promotions around the world, Janai Kai feels like someone who would be a formidable opponent for current TNA Knockouts Champion Lei Ying Lee from the moment she steps foot in the promotion.
Click the next page button below for more
6. Darius Carter
Another prominent name across the east coast independent scene is Darius Carter.
Widely regarded as the best heel on the indies today, Carter is someone who has won championship gold around the world and has become a mainstay of several different promotions, including ASE Wrestling.
With his superb mic skills, entertaining heel character and underrated technical ability, TNA Wrestling would be hard-pressed to find someone as ready made for television on the indies right now more than Darius Carter.
Carter could come in and work his way up the ladder, while showcasing all these traits that has made him a special talent in other companies now in TNA Wrestling as they premiere on AMC Network.
Click the next page button below for more
5. Carlito
While TNA Wrestling would be smart to grab up some indie stars, they should also sign some known names around the wrestling world.
Back in June 2025, Carlito announced that his WWE contract had expired with the company not interested in re-signing him right now.
Ending a second two-year run with the company, Carlito has been seen back on the independent scene, but he is someone who is a veteran that can add to any promotion he were to sign with.
With the upcoming premiere on AMC coming up, TNA bringing in Carlito could see him playing a crucial role as an identifiable star who brings casual fans to the product.
Click the next page button below for more
4. Shotzi Blackheart
Another recent WWE release who could bolster the TNA Knockouts division is Shotzi Blackheart.
There is probably no former WWE star who has made a bigger impact on the indies since leaving the promotion in May more than Blackheart.
With her infectious energy and “ballsy” persona, Shotzi would be someone that TNA can bring in and propel right to their TNA Knockouts World Title picture without much protest.
Considering how active she has been since leaving WWE, TNA signing Shotzi would immediately elevate the Knockouts scene and help to revive what was once the best women’s division in wrestling.
Click the next page button below for more
3. Braun Strowman
The biggest name released from WWE in May 2025 had to have been Braun Strowman.
The former WWE Universal Champion was someone who played a significant role on the company’s programming up until he was released.
Considering his lack of activity in the wrestling world since leaving the company, many fans believe Braun might show back up in WWE, but it would be shocking to see him make the move to TNA Wrestling.
Strowman coming in would provide a major star for their main event picture who could easily deliver against the likes of Frankie Kazarian, Moose or Mike Santana.
Click the next page button below for more
2. Karrion Kross & Scarlett
Following WWE SummerSlam 2025, many fans were shocked to hear Karrion Kross and Scarlett were leaving the company following their contracts expiring.
Prior to their departure, Kross had garnered a ton of momentum by building an organic connection with the fans that led to “We Want Kross” chants being heard in arenas around the world.
Since leaving WWE, Kross and Scarlett have returned to the independent scene and showcased why fans have related to this act.
Kross and Scarlett returning to TNA Wrestling could see the former two-time NXT Champion being presented as a top star from the day he re-signs with the company.
Click the next page button below for more
1. Chris Jericho
There is no current or potential free agent who has been discussed or speculated about more than Chris Jericho in wrestling right now.
The first ever AEW World Champion looks to be on the verge of leaving All Elite Wrestling after a six-year run with the company.
While WWE has major interest in bringing the legend for one final run, there is no denying that Jericho could be an even bigger acquisition for a promotion like TNA Wrestling.
Adding a great deal of star power and name recognition, Jericho could immediately bring an influx of new fans to TNA Wrestling upon his debut on their new broadcasting home of AMC.
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…