With several exciting prospects potentially joining the WWE main roster in the near future, there could be some new names appearing on SmackDown soon.
From potential defections from AEW to WWE to others that could finally get their call-up to the main roster from NXT, there are some exciting prospects who could be joining SmackDown soon.
Here are seven potential new WWE SmackDown signings that could debut soon.
7. Powerhouse Hobbs
An amazing addition to the current SmackDown roster could be a former AEW champion that is seemingly on his way out of that company.
With speculation that not only is Powerhouse Hobbs wrapping up his current contract with AEW but that he may be WWE bound in the near future — he could fit right in on SmackDown.
Able to become a viable rival to the likes of Ilja Dragunov, Trick Williams and Jacob Fatu, there could be huge storylines on the horizon for Hobbs.
Whatever his WWE name ends up being, hopefully the East Palo Alto native is able to bring his compelling character straight to SmackDown.
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6. David Finlay
Another potential new SmackDown addition that is rumored to be getting recruited to join WWE is NJPW star David Finlay.
With a lengthy history in NJPW as a top character, David Finlay is reportedly being recruited by WWE for potential signing in the near future.
SmackDown potentially being the perfect landing place for Finlay, there could be big feuds ahead with Aleister Black, Damian Priest or Solo Sikoa.
With brother Brogan appearing in NXT as Uriah Connors and famous Father Fit Finlay still a backstage force in WWE — there are definitely several great reasons to consider signing with WWE.
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5. Penta
While not new to WWE, Penta would be one star that is brand new to SmackDown, a move that may open up a ton of possibilities.
Able to unite with real life brother and long-time tag team partner Rey Fenix, the Lucha Bros could be on their way to SmackDown.
Able to join forces with his longtime tag team partner and likely immediately claim success, the duo could be a fascinating set of challengers to the current tag team division on SmackDown.
Certainly able to become an entirely new entity when aligned, the Lucha Brothers could become massive in WWE and/or AAA in 2026.
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4. The Iinspiration
A pair of former WWE stars that may be poised to make a return in the near future are the former Iiconics, Cassie Lee & Jessie McKay.
After dropping the TNA Knockouts Tag Team Championship to the Elegance Brand on the debut edition of Thursday Night iMPACT! on AMC Network — it could be that a change is coming soon for the charismatic pair.
Certainly able to rejoin the WWE women’s tag team division and hit the ground running, the Iiconics could be back in action sooner rather than later.
A perfect fit for the SmackDown brand, the pair of Cassie Lee and Jessie McKay (formerly known as Peyton Royce and Billie Kay in WWE respectively), could find themselves in contention for the women’s WWE Tag Team Championship sooner rather than later.
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3. Kelani Jordan
One NXT star that could certainly still be on her way to join SmackDown on the main roster is Kelani Jordan.
After seemingly coming into her character even more with her heel turn in 2025, Jordan has gone on to claim success even outside of NXT.
Capturing the TNA Wrestling Knockouts Championship, Jordan was also the inaugural women’s NXT North American Champion.
Able to make a major impact alone or as a part of a group (including potentially partnering with real life fiancée Carmelo Hayes), Kelani Jordan could be an amazing new addition to the SmackDown roster.
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2. Steve Maclin
With the brand new TNA Wrestling weekly series kicking off on January 15, there were numerous intriguing details that emerged from backstage reports.
It was noted that Steve Maclin was in fact not backstage at the debut on the AMC network, signaling that perhaps his time with the company had wrapped up.
Absolutely able to make the leap to WWE and do big things from the jump, Maclin could also lean into real life experience for his WWE branded character.
Currently totally devoid of a positive military character’s presence, Maclin could end up becoming a huge character in WWE by maximizing his experience as a United States Marine Corps veteran.
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1. Chris Jericho
Chris Jericho Watch 2026 continues as the debut episode of TNA’s new weekly series on AMC Network Thursday Night iMPACT! came and went with no appearance from Jericho.
While some fans are holding out hope to see the veteran star arrive in the Royal Rumble 2026 in Riyadh, it could end up that he finds himself on the SmackDown roster in the future.
With Fozzy (the band led by Jericho) touring the UK in the month of February, it could be that WWE fans have to continue to wait to see the arrival of the multi-time former champion.
Certainly poised to be worth the wait, it would make total sense to see Chris Jericho arrive on WWE SmackDown at some point ahead of WrestleMania 42.
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