Following WrestleMania 42, WWE will be looking to kickstart their new year in the company with returning talent and potentially some new signings.
Whether it be stars from partnered promotions or international names that are newly free agents, the company may add some new stars to their roster in the coming months.
After Mania, there could be some notable signings that will reshape the landscape of the promotion moving forward.
Here are six new potential WWE signings after WrestleMania 42.
6. EVIL
Following NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20, it was revealed that EVIL was set to leave New Japan Pro Wrestling and explore his options outside of the promotion.
Recent reports have indicated that EVIL is now expected to sign with WWE and would like to start out in the NXT brand.
The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion has long been a top star for NJPW over the past few years and could be a strong addition to the WWE roster.
EVIL signing with WWE could make for a potential new top star for NXT and someone who could bolster their men’s division at a time they really need it coming off the heels of WrestleMania 42.
5. Hiromu Takahashi
Another NJPW star who looks to be on his way to WWE in the near future is former five-time IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion Hiromu Takahashi.
Over the course of 15 years, Takahashi assembled a resumè that makes him one of the greatest junior heavyweights in the history of New Japan Pro Wrestling.
“The Ticking Time Bomb” shockingly announced his departure from NJPW and recent reports have discussed the possibility of Takahashi signing with WWE.
Hiromu could add a great deal to the NXT roster if he were to sign with WWE and potentially become the best wrestler on the brand.
4. Leon Slater
In 2025, Leon Slater became one of the faces of TNA Wrestling after becoming the youngest X-Division Champion of all time.
“The Youngest In Charge” then started appearing on WWE TV for the NXT brand and even competed on John Cena’s Final Match at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
At NXT New Year’s Evil 2026, Oba Femi defeated Slater to retain the NXT Championship in his last appearance on WWE television at the time of this writing.
However, Slater’s TNA Wrestling contract is set to expire in 2026 and seems like he will inevitably go on to sign with WWE to become an even bigger star in this company.
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3. Paige
In March 2025, Saraya announced her departure from All Elite Wrestling after a three-year run with the promotion.
After leaving AEW, Saraya made it no secret that she was open to making a return to WWE and adopting her previous ring name of Paige once again.
Recently, Paige has been seen training inside the squared circle once again, preparing for a return to being an active in-ring performer.
With all signs pointing to a comeback in WWE, Paige seems ready to make the move to her former home and could happen as soon as after WrestleMania 42.
2. Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D.
Another star whose contract is set to expire sometime in 2026 is former AEW Women’s World Champion Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D.
Baker is someone who has been a cornerstone of All Elite Wrestling since the company’s inception in 2019.
However, fans have not seen Baker on AEW TV since being written off programming back in November 2024.
Following this lengthy absence from the promotion, it feels like it is only a matter of time before Baker leaves AEW and makes her way to WWE sometime this year after WrestleMania 42 this April.
1. Chris Jericho
Over the past year, Chris Jericho’s future in pro wrestling has become a hot topic in the headlines.
With reports and rumors about his AEW contract about to expire, Jericho has garnered some interest from WWE to make a return to his former home.
Considering his legacy as one of the biggest stars in the history of the business, Jericho feels like a no-brainer signing for WWE when he becomes available.
Following WrestleMania 42, Jericho could make the jump back to WWE where he would be positioned as a prominent figure on the company’s programming in what should be the final run of his illustrious career.
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