5 Things WWE has got right in 2026 so far

The year 2026 is already proving to be a transformative one for WWE, with Triple H at the helm steering the ship towards a more aggressive and rewarding style of storytelling. The new era seems to have found its rhythm, and here are five things WWE has excelled at in 2026 so far:

1. The surgical execution of NXT call-ups:
   In the past, NXT call-ups often got lost in the shuffle, but in 2026, WWE has handled them with care. Stars like Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans, and Jordynne Grace have arrived with clear purposes and immediate feuds, showcasing the company’s commitment to long-term talent development.

2. Restoring prestige to the WWE United States Title:
   The United States Championship is no longer a participation trophy. Carmelo Hayes has elevated the title through the US Championship Open Challenge, making it a must-watch with high-octane matches that focus on pure in-ring competition.

3. Elevating midcarders to the main event scene:
   WWE has successfully elevated stars like Sami Zayn and Ilja Dragunov to the main event scene by showcasing their incredible work rate. Both men have transitioned into top-tier storylines, with Dragunov’s Mad Dragon persona and Zayn’s underdog status captivating fans.

4. Pushing Finn Bálor as a main event singles star:
   Finn Bálor has returned to the singles main event scene in 2026 after a stint in the tag team division. His aggressive, no-nonsense style has added legitimacy to the red brand’s main event picture, with a World Title program on RAW showcasing his talent.

5. Crowning Drew McIntyre:
   Drew McIntyre’s journey culminated on the January 9 episode of SmackDown when he dethroned Cody Rhodes to become the Undisputed WWE Champion in a Three Stages of Hell match. This creative masterstroke revitalized McIntyre’s character and the SmackDown main event scene.

   Overall, WWE’s focus on talent development, restoring prestige to titles, elevating midcarders, pushing new stars, and crowning champions has made 2026 an exciting year for the company. Fans can expect more thrilling storylines and matches as the year progresses.