Much of the focus heading into 2026 is understandably on some of the new signings WWE could bring in from the free agent market, such as AEW’s Chris Jericho, Danhausen or Private Party.
While there are many names that WWE are linked with bringing in when it comes to on-screen talent, WWE could also recruit some wrestlers to their backstage set-up as well.
Whether it be as backstage producers, trainers or writers, there are many experienced talent that WWE could call upon.
Here are seven potential new WWE backstage signings potentially coming soon.
7. Billy Gunn
A member of AEW since the company’s inception in 2019, Billy Gunn has both competed as an on-screen talent and worked behind the scenes as a coach.
Interestingly however, Gunn is also signed to a WWE legends deal, but this is strictly for merchandise purposes such as action figures and video games.
While there’s no current indication that Gunn could be heading back to WWE, his lack of presence on AEW TV has led to some fans speculating about his future.
Perhaps in 2026 we could see Billy join up with fellow DX alum Triple H, Shawn Michaels and Road Dogg by taking up a role backstage in WWE.
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6. Shayna Baszler
A surprising WWE talent release from this past year was former two-time NXT Women’s Champion Shayna Baszler, who was let go from the company in May.
While her release came as a shock to fans, even more surprising news came out after her departure, as it was reported that “The Queen of Spades” had been working as a backstage producer in NXT during her 90-day non-compete period over the Summer.
This obviously led to rumors regarding a full-time return in that capacity, but this did not come to fruition, although she did return for a one-off appearance during NXT Homecoming in September.
Baszler has since returned to the ring on the independent scene, but has suggested she’d be open to returning to WWE in a backstage role at some point in the future.
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5. JDC (Fandango)
In one of the more surprising stories in recent months, TNA Wrestling star JDC (fka Fandango) announced that he would be retiring from in-ring competition following the company’s Genesis PPV on January 17.
At just 42 years old however, JDC may potentially seek a return to wrestling at some point later down the line.
With JDC making a WWE return in 2025 via the NXT and TNA partnership, perhaps that return could come in the form of a backstage trainer role on the Tuesday night brand.
Someone with plenty of first-hand experience in WWE’s developmental system and the main roster, JDC could become a valuable asset at the Performance Center if that’s aa path he’s interested in his retirement.
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4. Mark Henry
Unlike Billy Gunn, who remains a part of AEW, Mark Henry is someone who departed the company in mid 2024, bringing an end to his three year spell as a coach and on-screen announcer.
Prior to signing with AEW in 2021 however, the “Worlds Strongest Man” worked backstage in WWE as a producer and mentor in the locker room.
With Henry making several cameos on WWE programming – most recently being seen at Saturday Night’s Main Event for John Cena’s final match – perhaps he could be brought back in full-time at the Performance Center.
With his son Jacob Henry signed to a WWE NIL deal, Mark may want to work closely with him and the next generation of talent coming through the WWE system.
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3. AJ Styles
AJ Styles is looking set to be one of WWE’s most high profile departures of 2026, as the former two-time WWE Champion officially calls time on his career at the end of his existing contract.
While it’s not yet confirmed when Styles will hang up his boots, he has been steadfast in his decision to retire as he approaches his 49th birthday in 2026.
However, even in retirement we may still get to see Styles appear in some capacity in WWE, as “The Phenomenal One” has stated he will likely stay on in a backstage capacity in the company.
Whether as a backstage producer or a trainer in NXT, Styles’ experience and knowledge of pro wrestling would be truly incredible for the young stars of tomorrow to tap into.
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2. Eric Young
Among many reported TNA Wrestling contract expiries heading into 2026 is veteran star Eric Young.
The former two-time TNA World Champion worked in WWE across two different spells over the past 10 years, however, fans would be forgiven for not having any knowledge that the former sAnitY member even re-signed with the company in 2022.
One of many former WWE names that Triple H sought to bring back when he took over the company’s creative, Young never made a televised appearance in his second run before quietly requesting his release the following year.
With that exit being due to the return of Vince McMahon to the company that same year, perhaps Young may be recruited once more now that Triple H is fully in charge of the company’s on-screen product, albeit, this time more so in a backstage role. With over two decades of experience, Young could, much like Shawn Spears, perhaps return as both a talent and coach in NXT once his TNA deal comes up.
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1. Paul Wight (Big Show)
WWE legend Pau Wight is another name who has been working backstage in AEW for several years now, whilst also making sporadic in-ring appearances.
Those are very much few and far between these days however, and much like Billy Gunn, he’s been seen less and less on television as his time in the company has gone on.
While that doesn’t mean he’s heading for the exit door, Wight does feel like someone who may eventually wind up back in WWE in some capacity in the future, given how synonymous his career is to the company.
Even if it’s just for a WWE Hall of Fame induction, Wight would be welcomed back with open arms by fans and talent alike, and the company could also use his experience and knowledge backstage in whatever capacity that’s available to him.
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