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.
The premiere of Thursday Night #TNAiMPACT! on @AMC_TV features TWO massive Championship showdowns LIVE Thursday at 9PM ET on @AMC_TV & TNA+!
– @FrankieKazarian vs. @Santana_Proud for the TNA World Championship.
– @LEONSLATER_ vs. @TheBadReed for the X Division Championship. pic.twitter.com/QIUSOag5Pi
— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) January 3, 2026
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