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The Royal Rumble winner will be a returning star according to Royal Rumble betting odds

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

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.

Mike Santana could appear at WWE Royal Rumble
Courtesy of TNA Wrestling

About Steph Franchomme

Steph, for Stephanie, is not only eNYGMAtic, charismatic, but also “très chic.” Living in France, her birth country, she broke the language barrier to become a respected writer and interviewer on many wrestling promotions. She has developed a very special bond with TNA Wrestling over time to the point of becoming an Authority on the company. The French Nygma, as she loves to call herself, has been a wrestling writer and editor for nearly a decade for SteelChair Magazine/Wrestling SC, TWM and Distortion Media. She has interviewed hundreds of wrestlers from WWE, MLW, TNA, NXT, AEW, and many more promotions. The Nygma is now the new “Authority” on TNA Wrestling and NXT for Last Word on Pro Wrestling. The writer/editor also runs @3WWrestling, her own platform.