With the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble fast approaching, there could be some intriguing entrants from TNA Wrestling that end up in the men’s and women’s Rumble matches.
From current champions on the brand, to former faces that have been warmly received when they’ve made a return in past, there are many options.
Here are seven potential TNA Wrestling stars that could enter the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble.
7. Mike Santana
With Matt Cardona officially making his WWE return on the January 2 edition of SmackDown, it seems like more TNA names could potentially sign with the company in 2026.
One fan favorite star that has been linked to WWE is former TNA World Champion Mike Santana, someone who has impressed every time he’s featured on NXT.
Bringing veteran level experience along with a captivating character from the jump, Santana could prove to be a valuable asset for WWE, even if he continues to only make sporadic appearances rather than signing with the company full-time.
Likely to anchor TNA impact on the AMC Network, Mike Santana could build up his name further by appearing in the 2026 Royal Rumble.
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6. Léi Yǐng Lee
With Mickie James entering the 2022 Women’s Royal Rumble and Jordynne Grace appearing in 2024, perhaps we could see the top female star in TNA show up for the 2026 match next?
The TNA Knockouts World Championship is currently held by Léi Yǐng Lee, who dethroned Kelani Jordan for the gold in November.
Formerly known as Xia Li during her time in WWE, the returning star could recieve a warm reception as a returning WWE face but with new acclaim.
The perfect moment to highlight TNA Wrestling, the appearance could lead to more main roster crossovers in the future.
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5. Leon Slater
Recently making his mark in WWE both in NXT and the main roster, Leon Slater could be the perfect TNA Wrestling entrant in the 2026 Royal Rumble.
After appearing alongside NXT’s Je’Von Evans in a tag team already at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Slater is set for a major opportunity at NXT New Year’s Evil as he challenges Oba Femi for the NXT Championship.
Given that the WWE audience has already been introduced to Slater, we could see the English star also be TNA’s representative in the 2026 Royal Rumble, in what would be a standout moment for the star.
Bringing high flying and fast moving action, Slater could be the perfect candidate to capture a big Rumble moment even if he doesn’t end up winning the bout.
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4. Elijah
Potentially making a WWE return, Elijah could make an appearance in the 2026 Royal Rumble.
Popping up in Riyadh, just like he popped up at John Cena’s final match in Washington D.C., Elijah could bring nostalgic fun to the Rumble that would be appreciated by the Saudi crowd.
While he would make for a popular choice, Elijah hasn’t wrestled since June after suffering a torn triceps during a six-man tag team match on NXT.
Even if it’s for a brief cameo however, Elijah would make for a memorable inclusion on January 31.
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3. The IInspiration
One or both of the TNA Wrestling Knockouts Tag Team Champions could easily appear in the Royal Rumble in either Cassie Lee or Jessie McKay.
Since both stars made their returns to professional wrestling after taking time off for motherhood, they’ve proven that they are still poised to compete on a high level.
With the pair of former WWE stars going on to find acclaim in TNA Wrestling, they were warmly recieved in a recent crossover appearance with NXT.
Since WWE fans clearly continue to remember and regard highly the entertaining duo, it would make complete sense to see the IInspiration joining the 2026 Royal Rumble.
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2. Jeff Hardy
With the announcement that Matt and Jeff Hardy have re-signed with TNA Wrestling, any expectations of a farewell WWE run for The Hardy Boyz in 2026 have dissipated.
However, due to the on-going partnership between the companies, there could still be some WWE involvement from the brothers, even if it’s just for one-off appearances.
Potentially being the perfect nostalgic surprise for the Royal Rumble in Riyadh, either or both Jeff and Matt could make their return to the Royal Rumble.
While they’d be unlikely to win the match, their elimination could help give some extra heel heat to a rising heel name like Trick Williams.
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1. Frankie Kazarian
A veteran of the industry, Frankie Kazarian has proven his talent across decades and many different companies.
Now holding the TNA Wrestling World Championship for the first time in his career aged 48, Kazarian could be given an all new career highlight on January 31.
Making for an appearance that would be great exposure for the TNA Wrestling brand and World Champion, Kazarian could enter the Royal Rumble Match.
With precedent set in the past for crossovers at the major event, it could end up being Kazarian who represents TNA Wrestling in Riyadh, much like Joe Hendry did as the promotion’s World Champion last year.
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