Within the fast-paced world of WWE, 2026 has already kicked off with a seismic shift. Nonetheless, the midcard division is presently a melting pot of untapped potential. With the Street to WrestleMania simply across the nook, many consider some superstars are standing on the precipice of a large breakout yr.
Listed here are 5 WWE midcarders who’re due for a large push in 2026.
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#5. Package Wilson
Whereas he spent years as one-half of the flamboyant Fairly Lethal, Package Wilson is presently proving he can captivate an viewers all on his personal. Following an damage to his associate, Elton Prince, in late 2025, Wilson has debuted a hilarious and campy new solo presentation on SmackDown, full with a neon-pink aesthetic and his catchy new theme track, “Man Up,” which has already gone viral.
Regardless of a loss to a returning Matt Cardona on the January 2, 2026, episode of SmackDown, Wilson’s potential to attract warmth is plain. If WWE continues to lean into his obnoxious archetype character work, he may simply develop into the blue model’s most entertaining midcard attraction.
#4. Tama Tonga
For months, Tama Tonga has seemingly been the silent, deadly engine behind The Bloodline. Whereas he has excelled in tag group motion alongside Tonga Loa and JC Mateo, the WWE Universe is clamoring to see Tama unleashed in a singles competitors.
Tama brings this uncooked, predatory vitality to the ring that makes it unattainable to look away, even when he’s standing alongside the heaviest hitters within the sport. He has been the workhorse of the Bloodline for some time now, however because the friction inside the group retains heating up in 2026, it looks like he’s outgrowing the enforcer function.
If the 43-year-old star lastly strikes out on his personal, he can be the proper ruthless mercenary to tear by the midcard and breathe some contemporary, harmful life into the title image.
#3. Johnny Gargano
The period of DIY has formally come to a bittersweet finish. With studies circulating that Tommaso Ciampa has chosen to let his contract expire and depart the corporate, Johnny Gargano is as soon as once more Johnny Wrestling within the literal sense. Free from the tag group ranks, Gargano has wasted no time reminding followers why he was the center and soul of NXT.
His spectacular WWE United States Championship match in opposition to Carmelo Hayes on the New Yr’s version of SmackDown proved he hasn’t misplaced a step. Now accompanied by his spouse, Candice LeRae, a sustained singles push in 2026 may see Gargano lastly seize the midcard gold that has eluded him on the principle roster.
#2. Santos Escobar
This previous yr was a rollercoaster for Santos Escobar, culminating in a dramatic contract state of affairs that noticed him briefly listed as Alumni earlier than re-signing for a considerably bigger supply. Now that his future is safe and administration has reportedly settled these inventive frustrations, WWE actually wants to drag the set off on The Emperor of Lucha Libre.
Escobar has the entire package deal: the famous person look, the presence on the mic, and an unbelievable ring IQ that makes each transfer depend. With the complete power of Legado Del Fantasma behind him, 2026 ought to be the yr he strikes previous simply being a faction chief.
Followers consider it’s time to see the star as a dominant singles champion, and a run for the Intercontinental Title can be the proper solution to cement his legacy on the principle roster.
#1. Former WWE United States Champion Matt Cardona
The Indy God has lastly returned house. On the January 2, 2026, episode of SmackDown, Matt Cardona shocked the world by showing in Buffalo, New York, to formally signal an unique cope with GM Nick Aldis. After 5 years of reinventing himself on the unbiased circuit, Cardona returns not as a punchline, however as a seasoned megastar.
Cardona’s rapid victory over Package Wilson despatched a transparent message: he’s again to complete what he began. Presently, essentially the most must-see midcarder on the roster, Matt Cardona’s self-made journey, is essentially the most compelling story within the firm proper now. Whether or not he targets the WWE United States Title or enters the world title image, 2026 is undoubtedly the yr of Cardona.
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Edited by Pratik Singh
