Which TNA Wrestlers Could Enter the 2026 WWE Royal Rumble, And Why?

Runners-Up – Elijah and Mustafa Ali

The two wrestlers are not related to any Championship, as they will face at TNA Genesis 2026. Elijah made a surprise appearance in the audience at WWE Saturday Night Main Event XLII. Maybe it wasn’t a surprise for some, but it was, at least, one for me. Popping up in Riyadh, just like he popped up at John Cena’s final match, Elijah could bring nostalgic fun to the Rumble that the Saudi crowd would appreciate.

Mustafa Ali made an interesting comeback at the NXT vs TNA ShowDown. The Order 4’s leader reminded Ethan Page that he was still owed a title match he initially earned before his release from WWE. He may have come up short, but Ali is a surprising character. He is capable of absolutely everything to win, including distracting an opponent with belly dancers coming to the ring. Ali could come to Riyadh to ensure the Saudi trusts Ali.

5- TNA World Tag Team Champions Jeff and/or Matt Hardy

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, 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, Jeff and/or Matt could make their return to the Royal Rumble. From a partnership’s perspective, that also means more doors opened for NXT talents to come feud with The Greatest Tag Team of All-Time.

4- Moose

Moose makes the list for multiple reasons. First, he could become a 2-time X-Division Champion at TNA Genesis 2026. Also, Moose is the kind of wrestling anomaly the fans love. He is tall, powerful, and a high-flying freak of nature. Since 2016, Moose has been committed to TNA Wrestling, through thick and thin. The partnership has allowed him to make Championship appearances for NXT while being signed to TNA Wrestling.

Moose faced Oba Femi for the NXT Championship at NXT Roadblock. He recently faced Ethan Page for the NXT North American Championship. He came up short twice, but he impressed the NXT crowd and the fans around the world. Moose was also a member of Team TNA at NXT Showdown. Coming to the Rumble with the X-Division Championship around his waist would give him something more to conquer the WWE Universe, definitely.

3- TNA Knockouts World Champion Léi Ying Lee

Léi Ying Lee is the current TNA Knockouts World Champion. She dethroned Kelani Jordan for the gold at NXT Gold Rush. Formerly known as Xia Li during her time in WWE, the returning star could receive 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.

2- Tie – Mike Santana and Nic Nemeth

I have to put Santana and Nemeth on the same level. First, Mike Santana could become the new TNA World Champion at Thursday Night iMPACT premiere, only if he retains the title at Genesis 2026 two days later. Second, Nic Nemeth is the co-Call Your Shot Gauntlet winner. He could cash in his shot whenever he wants, and so become the TNA World Champion.

After having received a warm reception during his losing bout against Solo Sikoa in the Last Time Is Now tournament to determine John Cena’s final opponent, the former Dolph Ziggler could make his way back in 2026. Gaining acclaim in TNA Wrestling under his actual name, Nic Nemeth, in 2026, WWE fans see more from the longtime star, but in a crossover capacity.

Santana 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 make sporadic appearances rather than signing with the company full-time. Likely to anchor TNA on the AMC Network, Mike Santana could build up his name further by appearing in the 2026 Royal Rumble.

1- Tie – TNA World Champion Frankie Kazarian and TNA X-Division Champion Leon Slater

The current TNA World Champion and TNA X-Division Champion are the most likely to appear at the WWE 2026 Royal Rumble. Slater is set for a major opportunity at NXT New Year’s Evil as he challenges Oba Femi for the NXT Championship.

The WWE audience has already been introduced to Slater, so his appearance in the 2026 Royal Rumble would be a standout moment. 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.

Frankie Kazarian has proven his talent across decades in many companies. As the TNA Wrestling World Champion for the first time in his career, at 48, Kazarian could be given a brand-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.

The Styles Clash

Also, Slater and Kazarian have a common denominator: AJ Styles. As he prepares to retire, Styles has already named Kazarian as a potential last match in TNA. The Phenomenal One also came to TNA Slammiversary 2025 to tell Slater he is the future of this business. Whoever comes, AJ Styles’ beginning of last ride could start here, at the Royal Rumble 2026.