The WWE Royal Rumble 2026 premium live event should see some NXT talent appearing in the titular bouts on the show.
Considering this event could serve as the main roster call-up for a few NXT names, there could be some stars getting signed to the brand in the aftermath.
Whether it be Evolve stars getting called up or talent from other promotions, the NXT signings following the first PLE of the year should alter the landscape of the brand dramatically.
Here are seven new potential WWE NXT signings after Royal Rumble 2026.
7. Kali Armstrong
Back in May 2025, Kali Armstrong made history by becoming the first ever WWE Evolve Women’s Champion.
Showing off her athleticism and strength, Armstrong has proven herself to be a true force of nature.
After having a successful rookie year on Evolve, it feels like the right time for Armstrong to get called up to the NXT roster next.
Armstrong signing with WWE NXT would be a wonderful addition for the women’s division and should only be a matter of time before she is looked at as a breakout star on the roster.
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6. Leon Slater
On the January 6 New Year’s Evil special of WWE NXT, Oba Femi defeated Leon Slater to retain the NXT Championship.
This became the latest example of Slater being prominently featured on WWE programming after appearing on the December 13 edition of Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Then, “The Youngest In Charge” went on to answer Carmelo Hayes’ United States Championship Open Challenge on the January 16 episode of WWE SmackDown.
After being consistently featured on WWE TV, Slater could officially sign with NXT where he could become a top star on the brand once he joins the roster.
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5. Danhausen
There are several talents on the AEW roster whose contracts should be expiring in the near future.
One such star who has been rumored to join WWE at some point down the line has been Danhausen.
After signing with All Elite Wrestling in 2022, it looked like Danhausen could become a standout from the roster, but it wasn’t meant to be and saw him only featured sporadically on television.
With his contract set to expire, Danhausen could find a new home on the WWE NXT brand where his personality and character would be fitting for the show.
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4. El Hijo del Vikingo
After acquiring Lucha Libre AAA in April 2025, WWE started featuring El Hijo del Vikingo on major stages like WrestleMania 41.
Headlining both Worlds Collide events in 2025, Vikingo has been front and center for both promotions and is the only Mexican star from AAA who has officially signed with WWE directly.
Following his recent heel turn in Mexico, Vikingo feels like a character that should get some shine on one of WWE’s brands.
Officially signing with WWE NXT, Vikingo could become a main event level talent on the roster and a threat to become a champion instantly.
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3. EVIL
Following NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20, reports started to circulate that EVIL was set to leave New Japan Pro Wrestling and explore his options outside of the promotion.
The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion has long been the top heel in the company and the leader of the House of Torture stable.
While he has more than enough experience to go directly to the WWE main roster, EVIL could get his start in the company on the NXT brand.
After all of the recent departures from the brand, EVIL could walk onto WWE NXT and instantly become a top star on the roster.
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2. David Finlay
Another NJPW star who looks to be on his way out of WWE in the near future is David Finlay.
Starting in the New Japan dojo, Finlay has spent over a decade with New Japan Pro Wrestling and has had several significant accolades in that time.
Considering his connections with WWE through his father Fit Finlay and his brother Uriah Connors, Finlay is someone who just makes sense to join the roster at some point.
Being a two-time IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion and the leader of the Bullet Club War Dogs, Finlay is someone with the credentials and accomplishments that could immediately become a key player for WWE NXT moving forward.
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1. Royce Keys (Powerhouse Hobbs)
On the January 17 Maximum Carnage edition of AEW Collision, “Hangman” Adam Page and JetSpeed defeated The Opps to win the AEW World Trios Championships.
This bout proved to be the final match for Powerhouse Hobbs of his AEW run with reports of the star expected to sign with WWE.
After officially signing, Hobbs looks set to become Royce Keys according to the latest trademark news that has circulated.
Royce Keys making his way to WWE NXT could see him become a top star for the brand and position himself in the NXT Championship picture in no time.
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