10 Wrestlers Who Will LEAVE WWE In 2026
Who will jump ship from the WWE in 2026?
From an outsider's perspective, WWE is the highest peak for any wrestler plying their trade outside of their hallowed squared circle (now completely covered in ads for Slim Jims and Daz Ultra). Getting there is only part of the journey. Being successful enough to stay there is something far more difficult.
In truth, there are all manner of reasons that it may not work out for a performer once they reach the WWE. From bad creative to there only being a finite amount of television time each week, not every performer will feel valued inside the world's biggest wrestling promotion. If you start thinking about it, there are probably a host of names springing into your mind right now who don't seem as though they have long left in WWE.
While once upon a time the WWE was the only way for a performer to maximize their potential, there are now many viable options for a wrestler to make themselves a star outside of their walls. With 2026 quickly approaching, the following are the WWE performers who are likely to be looking for greener pastures in 2026.
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10. AJ Styles
Starting with the most obvious candidate, AJ Styles has been openly telling everyone that 2026 will be his last year in professional wrestling. Unlike a lot of the wrestlers on this list, there is nothing contentious or bitter about AJ's decision to leave WWE. 'The Phenomenal One' is one of the most universally loved wrestlers for good reasons, and his time in WWE has delivered just as much gold as everywhere else he has blessed with his talents.
Perhaps the most interesting question about AJ's final run surrounds whether or not WWE will allow him to visit some of the other federations he has called home over the years. It would be incredible to see him return to NJPW, where his time as leader of The Bullet Club and his glittering collection of matches are still revered by any wrestling fan with eyes.
Add to this his recent appearance at TNA Slammiversary, returning to the promotion where he is arguably the biggest legend they have ever had, and the ride we are about to be taken on feels very exciting indeed. Let's just hope lessons have been learned from the patchy as hell booking across John Cena's 2025 Farewell Tour.