Credit: WWE.com
Veteran WWE legend Tommy Dreamer has offered an exciting forecast for WWE fans, signaling that a current WWE NXT champion is poised to make a highly anticipated main roster debut at the Royal Rumble 2026 event. Dreamer’s insight hints at a promising breakout year ahead for this rising star, which has sparked buzz among the WWE community.
Dreamer’s Bold Prediction for NXT Talent
Speaking recently on the Busted Open podcast, Tommy Dreamer expressed his belief that WWE’s Royal Rumble 2026 will serve as the launching pad for an NXT champion stepping up to the bigger stage of RAW or SmackDown. While Dreamer did not explicitly name the wrestler, insiders and fans have speculated that he could be referring to Oba Femi, the current NXT North American Champion, who has been garnering significant momentum in the brand’s midcard scene.
Dreamer stated, “I think we’re going to see a big leap with NXT talent next year. There’s someone holding a title there now who’s ready to make the jump and could have a breakout moment at the Royal Rumble. I expect 2026 to be a huge year for this guy.” According to sources close to WWE, this aligns with recent backstage conversations about bolstering the main roster’s fresh star power heading into the new year.
Why the Royal Rumble Is the Perfect Debut Setting
The Royal Rumble is widely recognized as one of WWE’s flagship events, featuring the iconic over-the-top-rope battle royal match that frequently introduces new faces to the wider audience. Historically, the Royal Rumble has launched the careers of many wrestlers transitioning from developmental or smaller promotions to WWE’s main roster, making it the ideal platform for NXT’s rising stars.
Tommy Dreamer, a veteran who has witnessed countless WWE eras, emphasized the significance of the Rumble as a career milestone: “The Rumble is not just about winning it’s a moment where you can make a statement, capture the crowd’s attention, and set the tone for your future.” His insight suggests WWE’s creative team is strategically planning to build long-term investment around NXT talent in the coming year.
Oba Femi: The Front-Runner for Call-Up?
Though Dreamer did not confirm the identity of the NXT champion he referred to, many wrestling analysts point to Oba Femi. Since capturing the NXT North American Championship, Femi has impressed with his dynamic in-ring style and character evolution. WWE insiders reveal management views him as a fresh, diverse star who fits well with the company’s plans to expand its appeal beyond established main roster talent.
A WWE insider shared: “Oba has been knocking it out of the park in NXT. The buzz backstage is that he’s being positioned for a call-up. Royal Rumble 2026 is a logical time to introduce him to the broader WWE Universe.” This insider also hinted that Femi’s athleticism and charisma make him a favorite to have an impactful debut, potentially even making waves in the high-profile Rumble match itself.
Tommy Dreamer’s Broader Take on WWE’s Future
Dreamer’s prediction for a fresh NXT star making waves is part of a broader confident outlook for WWE’s evolving landscape. Previously, some of his forecasts included surprise returns and major storyline developments for other WWE talents, indicating that he closely follows company strategy and insider trends.
He has also been vocal about the importance of blending veterans with emerging talent on the main roster to maintain fan interest and narrative depth. Dreamer believes that WWE’s integration of its developmental system into prime-time shows will be crucial to sustaining the company’s competitive edge in 2026 and beyond.
What Fans Can Expect at Royal Rumble 2026
Besides the NXT champion’s possible debut, expectations for Royal Rumble 2026 include:
- Established WWE stars continuing their championship pursuits.
- Potential surprise entrants and returns, as seen in previous year’s predictions involving Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton.
- Heightened focus on elevating new stars to build dynamic storylines for WrestleMania season.
As Royal Rumble increasingly becomes a launching pad for fresh talent, fans can anticipate a blend of nostalgia and innovation that fuels WWE’s future.
