Fantasy Booking 101 is a column on Pop Break dedicated to our writers wild wrestling imaginations.
It’s a new year, yes it is. With every new year, there’s a brand new batch of free agents that become available due to the nature of specific contracts. Also, there’s still a cavalcade of prime names that are still available from last year.
This year things are complicated a bit more as TNA is set to debut on AMC on Thursday January 15. A TV contract means (in theory) that Total Nonstop Action may be infused with some new cash, and that would mean signing some brand new talent to make stunning debuts.
So, let’s fantasy book where the 2026 wrestling free agents will land.
Please Remember: This is a fantasy booking column. What’s written here are educated guesses, and some are (as our friend Wade Wilson would say) “educated wishes” for these 2026 wrestling free agents will end up. We have zero inside information, nor are any of these to be taken as gospel truth.
Editor’s Note: Literally 30 minutes after the publish of this article it was announced on Fightful that Matt Taven, Mercedes Martinez and Alex Abrahantes are no longer with AEW, we will include them in our next iteration of this column.
Tomasso Ciampa
Destination: TNA or AEW
Don’t Rule Out: WWE, New Japan or Time Off
2026 kicked off with a huge bit of news — Tomasso Ciampa would not be renewing his contract with WWE. It’s very shocking because Ciampa has always been thought of as a “Triple H Guy” due to the huge push he received during the Black & Gold days of NXT. And lest we forget Ciampa did cosplay as Triple H at Wrestlemania one year. However, since his main roster call up, Ciampa’s role in WWE has paled in comparison to his NXT days.
Now there are two pro-WWE scenarios that could happen here. Ciampa, who has had a myriad of major injuries throughout his career, could be taking a cue from his #DIY partner Johnny Gargano — and taking an extended sabbatical before ultimately returning to WWE.
The second could find Ciampa taking a page out of Santos Escobar’s book. Remember back in October when Escobar did not renew his deal, only to resign with WWE almost immediately? Don’t rule that out either.
Now, if Ciampa does leave WWE, he would be the perfect guy to go to TNA and debut on their premiere episode on AMC. It’d be a headliner grabber, and would draw some disillusioned old Black & Gold fans over to TNA. In-ring, he’d bring intensity and energy to the program, and could be plugged into an immediate main event feud with Mike Santana and Frankie Kazarian. He would also have some great matches with Steve Maclin and all the more physical wrestlers in the company.
He’d also be a hell of an addition to AEW and New Japan working on a dual contract. Again, he’d be an immediate high profile plug-in and would have ready-made bangers in store with or against The Don Callis Family, The Elite, The Deathriders, etc. As for New Japan, Ciampa in the G1 is, as Hilary Duff would say, is the stuff that dreams are made of.
David Finlay
Destination: WWE or NJPW Return
Don’t Rule Out: TNA, NOAH
David Finaly, the leader of Bullet Club War Dogs, has been in New Japan Pro Wrestling since 2015. He’s gone from Young Lion to Juice Robinson’s tag partner (FinJuice), to a Bullet Club member to becoming a two-time IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion. So the big question is, what is there left for “The Boss Dog” to do outside of defeating Yota Tsuji for the IWGP World Heavyweight Title? The answer is simple — leave.
It’s no secret that his dad (Fit) and brother (Uriah Connors) both work for WWE. It would only make sense for David to join them, as well as former New Japan brethren (Nakamura, G.O.D., Talla tonga, JC Mateo, etc.) in the WWE. He’d be a strong addition to the NXT roster as well as working with AAA and NOAH, before heading to the main roster.
Finlay is a former Impact/TNA Tag Champion, so an eventual TNA signing would make sense, for the exact same reasons listed for Ciampa. Finlay is extremely reliable, and has become a main event wrestler, so he’d benefit TNA greatly.
At the end of the day, if the market isn’t there for Finlay in WWE and TNA, I can foresee a return to New Japan Pro Wrestling. AEW does not seem to be a fit for him, although we’ve really only seen him work there once.
Drilla Moloney
Destination: AEW/New Japan Dual Contract
Don’t Rule Out: , NXT
Once upon a time, Drilla Moloney was a part of the NXT UK. He was a part of the United Kingdom Championship Tournament and was used mostly as enhancement talent till he left in 2021. Moloney has since reinvented himself in New Japan, and looks like an absolute killer. I think New Japan should be getting together with AEW and locking him down to a dual contract. Moloney would greatly benefit working in AEW, as he’s got a great edge to him, and he’d be a fresh face (and a good ally to Gabe Kidd). Working in AEW would also sharpen him up for a bigger and needed push in New Japan.
On the flip side, WWE should be drooling over the prospect of getting Moloney due to his exponential growth in the ring and on the mic. He’d be terrific for NXT, and could easily become a main event guy. TNA is a possibility, albeit a fringe one, for Moloney as well.
“The King of Darkness” EVIL
Destination: TNA or NJPW Return
Don’t Rule Out: WWE, NOAH
It’ll be interesting to see the market for EVIL. If this were pre-COVID, doors would have been knocked down to secure his services. However, it feels like he (and the House of Torture faction) have become one of the most hated (and not in a good way) parts of every New Japan show.
New Japan has a shallow bench, so they could bring him back. But, also, would it hurt their business if they let EVIL walk? Could it be an addition by subtraction situation? Losing EVIL forces Gedo’s hand to push newer talent and NJPW is in need of fresh stars. Tony Khan has already said he does not like EVIL’s work, so don’t expect him to be All Elite.
I don’t see WWE going hot and heavy for him (but never rule them out), however, again TNA could use fresh blood and EVIL definitely would be that for the company. Also, don’t write off Pro Wrestling NOAH either as his former Los Ingobernables de Japon fam Naito and Bushi just won the GHC Tag Titles.
Clark Connors
Destination: WWE or AEW/NJPW Dual Contract
Don’t Rule: NJPW-Only Return, NXT
Clark Connors, like Drilla Moloney, should be a priority signing for New Japan, and they should leverage AEW to help keep him. “The White Rhino” made an impression at the first Forbidden Door when he filled in for Tomohiro Ishii in the finals for the then All-Atlantic Title (now International Title). Connors has developed a very entertaining, intense wild man character that would fit well in AEW.
Relationships in wrestling don’t always equal “a lock” for signings, but he is currently dating Thekla and when NJPW and Stardom did events they were a team emphasizing “violence and sex.” This could really work in AEW.
However, like Moloney, Connors would be a strong addition to WWE. Imagine the War Dogs in NXT? They’d be print money.
EC3
Destination: MLW
Don’t Rule Out: TNA
EC3 has left the NWA, which is rather surprising as he seemed to be the guy there. On the flip side of things, the NWA of 2026 is not the NWA of 2019. So a move away is probably best for him.
MLW seems like a solid landing spot for him. The promotion has a knack for using verbose and “controversial” wrestlers (remember Control Your Narrative?) and getting mileage out of them. So, don’t be shocked if you see him show up at the promotion’s Battle Riot event this month.
Don’t rule out TNA as a destination for the former multi-time TNA/Impact World Champion. TNA has been doing short deals, so with the AMC debut coming, inserting EC3 into the mix, even for a short period, could benefit TNA.
Colby Corino
Destination: WWE or TNA
Don’t Rule Out: AEW/Ring of Honor
Colby Corino looked to be destined for NXT back in 2021. And it was shocking he didn’t land there. His father, Steve Corino, works for WWE and it feels like Colby would be a natural fit there. Corino, despite recent injuries, has been a strong performer on the independents and NWA, so going to NXT would be a good spot for him.
However, could we see him in TNA — not just for the premiere — but for further development on a short-term deal? This would allow WWE to kick the tires on him down the road instead of sending him to a crowded NXT.
However, don’t rule out AEW and Ring of Honor. Tony Khan is an ECW diehard and Colby has worked with a lot of the AEW roster (including being a stablemate in Evolve with Eddie Kingston). He’d be a great legacy addition — we know TK loves a legacy act — to the ROH roster, and would be a solid hand to work Collision until he’s ready to be unleashed on the main roster.
Killer Kross & Scarlett Bourdeaux
Destination: MLW or TNA
Don’t Rule Out: New Japan, AEW
The last free agent column came out before Killer Kross and Scarlett Bourdeaux’s contracts were not renewed by the WWE. It was a bit of a headscratcher as Kross had just gotten merch and was receiving a push.
While there was an immediate albeit short uproar over his release from fans and he was not brought back to WWE, nor has he signed with a major company. I don’t foresee him being resigned by WWE, especially after the public fallout, in the immediate future. Could we see him return in a few years? Never say never.
The duo have praised AEW, and have stated they’d work there and call it home. He’d be an interesting addition to the company for sure … but … is there actual room for him? Kross isn’t an easy “plug in” for AEW. He needs TV time to establish his character and persona (as he’s done in every promotion he’s been in). You can’t simply ring the bell with him and he’s over like most of the 2025 signings for the company. Does AEW right now, with their huge roster, have the TV to dedicate for Kross to establish himself? They just might, but it’s no lock.
New Japan would be an interesting landing spot for Kross. They could allow him to build his character, and get over. His entrance would be wildly different from what they have now. He also has a legit fight background that could work in the company.
TNA is always a possibility for the duo as they thrived there, and Kross easily would have the runway for character work, which is his bread and butter. They’d be a big splashy move for the company.
MLW is his current home, and I don’t see that changing in the immediate future.
The Rascalz (Zachary Wentz, Myron Reed, Trey Miguel, Desmond Xavier)
Destination: TNA
Don’t Rule Out: WWE, AEW
Desmond Xavier and Myron Reed are working with in TNA without a contract. Wentz’s deal is up. Miguel’s status is unknown. This group screams AEW. (H/T to Fightful.) The foursome are known for being terrific high-flyers, and they all can wrestle opponents of any size. They’d bolster the tag division and would lengthen AEW and Ring of Honor’s bench. They’d be immediate plug-ins to the promotion, and would easily be over.
WWE should really consider bringing them all in as a package deal. Again, NXT would benefit from them greatly, just ditch The MSK gimmick. However, Desmond and WWE just parted ways, so it’d be interesting to see if they’d bring him back so quickly.
Ultimately, re-signing a shot-term deal with TNA is likely going to happen, especially with AMC ’round the corner.
Jake Something
Destination: AEW
Don’t Rule Out: TNA Return, NXT
Jake Something was originally supposed to be locked into TNA till mid-2026, but it seems he’s without a deal as we speak. Something has not been quiet about his dissatisfaction with TNA, especially after he was in a quick losing effort with Mance Warner and Steve Maclin to Real One (Enzo Amore), Zilla Fatu and Josh Bishop of the 4th Rope Promotion at Slammiversary. If you’re wondering the 4th Rope guys have never returned to TNA. Something posted photos with AEW talent, and let’ face it, the big man should be there. He’s a rough and ready dude, who’d fit nicely into the promotion.
He’s 36, so NXT might not be the destination for him, but with the signings of Ricky Starks and Ethan Page — who are the same age as Something — it’s not out of the question. Neither is a short-term deal with TNA.
And Still Out There…
Saraya
Destination: WWE
Don’t Rule Out: Retirement
Saraya’s run in AEW came to an end when she secured her release nearly a year ago. She has not been in the ring since the release, and given her injury history, one has to wonder if she’s going to take an extended break in order to keep herself in good health. And that’s a great reason to take time off. However, The Royal Rumble in Saudi is this month, and WWE is very much in their nostalgiacore era — this is the type of signing you make if you’re WWE. The pop for her WWE theme would be massive, and she’d thrive in that part-time role we see Nikki Bella is currently in.
Shayna Bazler
Destination: AEW/Stardom
Don’t Rule Out: TNA, WWE Return as a Coach
Shanya Baszler not being employed by WWE remains a ridiculous notion. Could she return as a coach/producer for the company? Yes. She did it for them during her “non-compete” and even showed up at NXT No Mercy. She said she’s not opposed to it, but she deserves (in this writer’s opinion) to be kicking ass, not coaching.
Ultimately, AEW should be really taking a long hard look at “The Queen of Spades.” Her smash mouth style and legit fight background would be a unique complement to the physical style of AEW’s women’s division and she’d have great natural feuds with all the top stars. AEW should also try and get her on a dual deal with Stardom where she made her bones and allow her to keep working Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport and various independent shows for GCW and her home promotion, AIW.
Again, don’t rule out TNA. I’m always suspect of the WWE/TNA partnership as a lot of TNA’s signings have been former WWE people (e.g. Mara Sade, Lei Ying Lee, AJ Francis etc.), so don’t be shocked if she ends up in TNA, and then transitions back to WWE.
Charlie (Fka Dakota Kai)
Destination: AEW
Don’t Rule Out: Japan, TNA, Bloodsport
We would have thought this was a lock for Women’s Casino Battle Royale at All In Texas. She’s also someone who was on AEW’s radar before resigning with WWE. Some may see this as “Oh, another former WWE talent who doesn’t want to be there” type scenario. Let me reiterate my theory on that — she was released originally when Vince McMahon was in charge, and then the guy who signed her, pushed and (we assume) believed in her called and said “Hey come on back.” If a boss who believed in you asked you to come back and work for them — you’d do it. So, let’s toss that nonsense out the window.
She’s officially back wrestling after a long hiatus post-release. An AEW contract we could easily see time for Kai in Stardom. If AEW is not in the cards, then you bet TNA will be chomping at the bit for her services.
Priscilla Kelly
Destination: TNA
Don’t Rule Out: AEW, MLW Return
TNA should be jumping at the opportunity to work with her as she’s already worked in the Knockouts Division. She depth to a bit of a shallow bench with immediate star power. Kelly had a lot of momentum before her injury in NXT, and her red hot indie run feels like that momentum is back. She has some experience with AEW, so don’t rule out her ending up there. MLW is her home for right now, so this is where she’ll be for the time being.
Bear Bronson
Destination: TNA
Don’t Rule Out: AEW Return, NXT
Not-So Hot take: Bear Bronson’s contract not being renewed by AEW was the best thing to happen to him. He was definitely slotted into a lower card role despite his talent level and commitment to the Iron Savages bit. He’s become a Death Match God, the IWTV Champion, has had a title shot on TNA television, and is one of the most in-demand indie wrestlers. TNA would be foolish to have let him walk from that TV taping without some sort of paper on him. Don’t rule out AEW bringing him back at some point, or WWE realizing they could have the second coming of Mick Foley on their hands.
Shotzi Blackheart
Destination: AEW
Don’t Rule Out: TNA, MLW
Shotzi Blackheart was a surprising “non-renewal” for WWE since she is one of the most marketable people in the company. Tanks, helmets, t-shirts and she has a wildly toyetic style. Shotzi has already jumped back in head first into GCW competing in Tournament of Death while also signing to MLW.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani she said she wanted to go to AEW but wanted a killer indie run beforehand. She’s had that run for sure. She would make a great fit in AEW as she fits that lovable oddball character (who can also wrestle) that cats like Mark Briscoe, Orange Cassidy, and Speedball have all filled in the men’s division. So, Shotzi and her devil may care attitude and wild persona fit AEW way more than WWE. If she’s all in (pun so intended) on AEW and not doing the “biding my time till Papa H calls me” thing she should be All Elite this year.
