6 Debuts At WWE SummerSlam 2026

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WWE SummerSlam 2026 will have some star studded matches and moments that fans will never forget.

To take things to the next level, the company could have some talent make their debut during the two-night event from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

From those who have established themselves on NXT to free agent signings, these debuts will take SummerSlam 2026 from just a premium live event to something that is truly special.

Here are six potential debuts at WWE SummerSlam 2026.

6. Lola Vice

At WWE NXT Stand & Deliver 2026, Lola Vice defeated Jacy Jayne and Kendal Grey to win the NXT Women’s Championship.

Since then, Vice proved herself to be a fighting champion by defending the gold not only in WWE NXT, but also Lucha Libre AAA as well.

However, Vice’s reign came to an end with Kendal Grey winning the title at the WWE NXT Great American Bash 2026.

Lola Vice finally getting called up to the main roster should be treated as a big deal and debuting at WWE SummerSlam 2026 would be just that.

5. Tatum Paxley

Another WWE NXT star who suffered a major loss at The Great American Bash 2026 is Tatum Paxley.

After losing to Zaria twice, it might be time for Paxley to finish her time on the NXT brand.

Paxley then lost another match this time to Kelani Jordan on the June 30 WWE NXT. Following the bout, Nikki Blackheart (now known as Reina Volcan) made her debut with the company with an attack on the former NXT Women’s Champion.

Whether it be immediately or following a short feud with Blackheart, it seems like Paxley could be closer to the end of her NXT run and might become a regular part of the main  roster following a debut at the SummerSlam 2026 PLE.

4. Tony D’Angelo

Over the course of the past five years, Tony D’Angelo has cemented his name as one of the biggest on the entire WWE NXT roster.

Becoming the first ever WWE NXT Grand Slam Champion, D’Angelo now sits atop of the brand and doesn’t look to be going anywhere.

While his reign doesn’t seem to be ending soon, it feels like Tony D might be ready for the next stage of his career.

D’Angelo getting called up to the main roster could open the door for a ton of different possibilities moving forward following his potential arrival at WWE SummerSlam 2026.

3. Hiromu Takahashi

At the start of 2026, Hiromu Takahashi announced that he was planning to leave New Japan Pro Wrestling after a 15-year run with the promotion.

Not that long after, it was revealed that Takahashi was expected to sign with WWE sometime in the future.

Now that his former Los Ingobernables de Japon stablemate Naraku (EVIL) is in WWE, it would make sense for Hiromu to join forces with him on NXT.

However, WWE could understand the skill, ability and experience of Takahashi to bring him into the main roster by making his debut take place at SummerSlam 2026 in Minneapolis.

2. Leon Slater

Back at the December 13 edition of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, TNA Wrestling’s Leon Slater teamed with Je’Von Evans to face AJ Styles and Dragon Lee.

After this main roster debut, Slater then appeared again to face Carmelo Hayes as part of his United States Championship open challenge on SmackDown.

Impressing fans every time he appears, Slater feels like he would instantly succeed if he signed with WWE.

Wanting to give him a strong debut, WWE could bring Leon Slater to make his official arrival as part of their company at SummerSlam 2026 on August 1 or 2.

1. Mike Santana

Another TNA Wrestling star who has stood out from the pack and made their presence felt on WWE programming is Mike Santana.

The two-time TNA World Champion has solidified himself as one of the faces of the company in his second stint.

Now that recent reports have indicated that his time with TNA has ended, Santana could look to make a splash in a new promotion and just might make that WWE.

Santana debuting at WWE SummerSlam 2026 would be massive and go a long way to establish him as a major free agent signing that could contribute for years to come.

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