This year, WWE faced significant challenges in terms of fan reception. Many wrestling fans had high expectations from WWE, but ended up disappointed. When RAW shifted to Netflix at the start of 2025, engagement reached a level not seen since the Ruthless Aggression Era. At some point, fans showed their disapproval, including PLEs such as Wrestlepalooza, the main event of Survivor Series: WarGames, and the finish of John Cena’s final match.
These past final weeks at the end of 2025, WWE seemingly turned a corner. For starters, the women’s division is thriving, while the mid-card is elevating, and their top stables are building into main event stars. Here’s how WWE can have a better year of booking in 2026.
Push Certain Talent
This year, WWE has pushed so many stars into the championship picture or the main event scene. What WWE should do in 2026 is make those who hit the back burner this year. WWE should also elevate young stars who have been paying their dues since their call-up. LA Knight is a prime example of someone who deserves a push.
Knight has come up short in big-match caliber and championship opportunities. Hopefully, WWE can put Knight in the World Title picture, somehow. That could happen by having Knight win the Royal Rumble Match or win the Money in the Bank briefcase.
In terms of pushing young talent, some are already on their way, namely Roxanne Perez. In such a short time in the main roster, Perez became the youngest female Royal Rumble runner-up and already won gold at the age of 23.
Other young stars who have been paying their dues are Nathan Frazer, Axiom, and Lyra Valkyria. Valkyria brought prestige to the Women’s Intercontinental Title, and she also became a double champion at her first WrestleMania. Valkyria has worked with Becky Lynch and Bayley, proving that she is a future main eventer. 2026 could be the year when Valkyria becomes a Triple Crown Champion by winning the women’s top title.
For Frazer and Axiom, they, as a tag team, have been throwing great matches. Even in singles competition, both men have shown their worth. With their WWE careers dating back to NXT UK, it would be a big breakout moment for them to become tag team champions next year.
Present a Draft
For nearly two years, there hasn’t been a draft hosted by WWE. Although there was a transfer window made at the start of 2025, it didn’t have that much effect for RAW and SmackDown. For this proposed draft, WWE should go all out on this one. WWE can draft not only their main event stars, but also some of the championships. Instead of moving teams and factions, move one or a few members, thus dissolving a stable in the hope of creating a star.
Another method WWE can use for the draft is calling more NXT talent up. Promote the NXT stars by airing vignettes, which is what WWE is finally doing again by advertising Oba Femi.
So much excitement is already buzzing as WWE is hinting that Je’Von Evans and Trick Williams will debut really soon. Shaking up the women’s division a whole lot more can help with the draft. Introducing women, including Sol Ruca, Lola Vice, Kelani Jordan, and many more, could bring so much spark to either brand.
Book More Matches on Television and PLEs
It’s understandable why WWE has fewer matches nowadays. The current formula WWE is running is at least four matches on RAW and SmackDown, while having five matches at most for the PLEs. When Chief Content Officer and Head of Creative, Paul “Triple H’ Levesque was asked about the few match concept, he answered by stating quality over quantity. Sometimes in wrestling, it’s best to have a balance of quality and quantity.
With the WWE having a massive list of contracted wrestlers, WWE should find a way to meet in the middle. For the standard PLE shows, have it set for either SmackDown or RAW. That way, all the show’s champions have a chance to showcase themselves.
A second approach could be WWE making their biggest shows last two nights. Since WrestleMania and SummerSlam are now weekend events, WWE can try to make the Royal Rumble and Survivor Series: WarGames two nights as well. These ideas are win-win situations as WWE has the chance to use all their stars and having a show two nights can generate more revenue.
What other things can WWE do to have a great 2026? Leave your comments below!
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