WWE.com and Pat McAfee Show contributor Mark Kaboly picks his top 5 WWE Superstars who could have a Dominik Mysterio-like run in 2026.
THE SETUP
Who’s next… actually, who’s the next Dominik Mysterio? Will 2026 provide another improbable run from mid-card to main event, the way that "Dirty" Dom pulled it off in 2025? Mysterio won his first main roster title at WrestleMania 41 by beating Bron Breakker, Penta and Finn Bálor for the Intercontinental Championship. Dom defended the title nine times, became the AAA Mega Champion late in the year, and took part in a three-match run late in John Cena’s Farewell Tour. As we turn the calendar to 2026, who has the best chance to become this year’s version of Mysterio?
BEST BETS
1. Jacob Fatu: After inserting himself into the WWE Championship conversation on SmackDown by taking out Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes during the Three Stages of Hell Match, how can’t Fatu be on top of the list of a Dom-like run in 2026? Fatu was on that path last year at this time, but his run got derailed with a three-month hiatus due to an injury. We haven’t seen Fatu on television since mid-August until he shocked everybody at SmackDown in Berlin. Fatu was on a meteoric rise, especially considering he just joined WWE in mid-2024. He’s the total package yet still somewhat new to the company.
2. Oba Femi: When your first WWE match is against Cody Rhodes during the last event of John Cena’s Farewell Tour (and you don't lose) while taking out an interfering Drew McIntyre, it should open eyes. Oba Femi has the look, the mic skills, the in-ring abilities, the entrance and the guts. His recent vignettes, as well as him laying the NXT Title down in the middle of the ring, added intrigue to Femi’s main roster debut.
3. Austin Theory: Austin Theory interrupted the Survivor Series main event with arguably the best collection of talent assembled ever in one match, then proceeded to be teased as the masked man for a month before joining one of the most powerful factions in the company. Theory has had success in WWE that makes him a wildcard. He quickly became the youngest United States Champion, won the Money in the Bank Ladder Match and defeated Cena at WrestleMania 39. Can he sustain success? He’s surely going to get that chance.
4. Carmelo Hayes: Hayes enjoyed his greatest moment last month when he defeated Ilja Dragunov for the United States Championship. In his short stint as champ, Hayes has pulled off some impressive performances. His seven-match run with Andrade in 2024 was phenomenal, proving that he could handle whatever was thrown at him. Whatever happens over the next 12 months, you have to think that this is Hayes’ best opportunity.
5. Chad Gable: We haven’t heard from Gable in some time as he’s recovering from an injury inflicted on him backstage by Penta. It’s unknown when Gable will return (even though he recently posted an impressive photo of himself on Instagram), but everything could be set up for him to get the run he deserves. 2026 can be the year he breaks through. Don’t count it out.
Keep an eye out for: LA Knight, Tama Tonga, Jimmy Uso, Ludwig Kaiser, Trick Williams
