Former WWE Champions To Appear At TNA Slammiversary 2026

WWE/TNA

TNA Slammiversary 2026 is set to be one of the biggest and most important pay-per-views of the year for the promotion, and recent reports have indicated that there will be a “multi-time singles champion” from WWE who will be making an unannounced debut at the event.

This has led to a ton of speculation in regards to who this former WWE champion could possibly be and what they might do at TNA Slammiversary.

Here are seven former WWE champions to potentially appear at TNA Slammiversary 2026.

7. ‘Road Dogg’ Brian James

The name that has been mentioned a lot as of late to potentially join TNA Wrestling in the near future is ‘Road Dogg’ Brian James.

In March 2026, James left WWE after claiming burnout and receiving a not so flattering progress report.

Now available to head to another promotion, ‘Road Dogg’ is someone who has been heavily involved in creative for the better part of the past decade.

Considering Tommy Dreamer was recently let go from the company, it might be time for ‘Road Dogg’ to make his way to TNA Wrestling, making his major debut at the Slammiversary 2026 pay-per-view.

6. AJ Styles

Back at TNA Slammiversary 2025, the company welcomed back AJ Styles.

Widely regarded as the greatest star in the promotion’s history, Styles received a hero’s welcome and put over Leon Slater as the next big name in TNA.

‘The Phenomenal One’ is now done with his in-ring career and could make more appearances for TNA Wrestling down the line.

Marking one year since his return, Styles could show up at TNA Slammiversary 2026 and announce himself as the latest TNA Hall of Fame inductee for the Bound For Glory event later this year.

5. Bishop Dyer (Baron Corbin)

In November 2024, Baron Corbin was announced as departing WWE after his contract expired and negotiations fell through.

Since leaving WWE, Corbin has reinvented himself on the independent scene, becoming Bishop Dyer and proving himself outside of the promotion.

As Dyer, the former WWE United States Champion has made a name for himself in promotions such as MLW, GCW and MLP.

After rumors of his WWE return, it would be a surprising move to see Dyer head to TNA Wrestling to become a main event act for the company following a spotlight debut at the Slammiversary 2026 show.

4. Jake Hager

When All Elite Wrestling first started in 2019, many fans were surprised to see Jake Hager make his debut on the first episode of AEW Dynamite.

Following his arrival, Hager would go on to spend nearly five years with the company, mostly working alongside Chris Jericho in his many factions.

Since leaving AEW, Hager, formerly known as Jack Swagger in WWE, has moved on to PowerSlap.

Making his way back into wrestling, Hager is a former World Heavyweight Champion who could be a significant asset for TNA moving forward.

3. Raj Dhesi (Jinder Mahal)

One of the former WWE names who does not get talked about enough is Raj Dhesi.

Formerly known as Jinder Mahal, Dhesi is a former WWE Champion and United States Champion over the course of two runs with the company.

Since leaving WWE in 2024, Dhesi has been another name who has tried to reinvent himself in the business.

Despite making waves with his new India-based promotion, WXM, Dhesi is someone who would fit the bill for the former WWE name teased for TNA Slammiversary 2026.

2. Dakota Kai (Charlie)

In May 2025, there was no name included in the round of mass talent cuts that was more shocking for the fans than Dakota Kai.

After spending eight years across two runs with the promotion, Kai was widely considered one of the most underrated and dependable in-ring performers in the women’s division.

Spending nearly a year on the sidelines, Kai, now known as Charlie, recently returned to in-ring competition and has faced some top talent, such as Kris Statlander and Shotzi Blackheart.

Dakota Kai would be a massive pickup for TNA that would legitimately bolster the Knockouts division following a debut at TNA Slammiversary 2026 in Boston.

1. Killer Kross

Since his departure from WWE in 2025, Killer Kross has been blazing a path unlike anyone in pro wrestling.

Kross’ last run with WWE saw him soar to new heights of popularity and grow a genuine connection with the fans that had him receiving one of the loudest pops every night.

Now that he is a free agent, Kross has immediately made a huge impact in Major League Wrestling where he captured the MLW Heavyweight Championship.

While he is holding the top prize in MLW, TNA Wrestling would score a noteworthy name in the industry if they decide to re-sign Kross and have him make his debut at Slammiversary 2026 on June 28.

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• TNA
• slammiversary
• wwe

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