WWE Announced 2026 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic
Fourteen tag teams will compete in the return of the prestigious wrestling tournament.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Wrestling
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Do you plan to watch the 2026 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament matches?
WWE has confirmed the return of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic for 2026 with 14 teams set to compete. The field includes wrestlers from RAW, SmackDown, NXT, and AAA.
Why it matters
The tournament serves as a major platform for tag team wrestling, highlighting talent across multiple brands and promotions. Its return maintains the legacy of the event established in 2015 to honor the legendary performer.
A total of 14 teams are slated for the 2026 tournament, with The Vanity Project and the Wagner Brothers receiving first-round byes as reigning champions. This tournament follows the original format introduced in 2015.
The players
Robert Stone
He is the current NXT General Manager responsible for announcing the tournament return.
Mini Vikingo
He is a wrestling prospect who will make his official WWE debut in the tournament.
The Vanity Project
This tag team serves as the reigning NXT Tag Team Champions and received a first-round bye.
The Wagner Brothers
They are the current AAA Tag Team Champions and secured an automatic advancement to the quarter finals.
The details
NXT General Manager Robert Stone announced the tournament return, which will feature the debut of prospect Mini Vikingo alongside Chazz Starboy Hall. The current NXT Tag Team Champions, The Vanity Project, and the AAA Tag Team Champions, the Wagner Brothers, will advance directly to the quarter finals.
Timeline
The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic was introduced in 2015.
The 2026 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament was announced.
Season Trajectory
The return of this tournament impacts the tag team landscape across WWE and AAA by providing a clear path for rising contenders to challenge established champions. This event structure mirrors the inaugural 2015 competition that elevated the tag team division within the brand.
The Vanity Project and the Wagner Brothers have secured automatic advancement to the quarter finals, meaning they avoid the initial elimination rounds. Fans should watch upcoming episodes of NXT to see which teams will compete in the opening matchups.
The takeaway
The Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic remains a vital showcase for blending talent from diverse wrestling promotions. Fans should track the upcoming NXT broadcasts to monitor how the bracket develops following the announcement of the 14-team field.
Further reading
For more on the current landscape of the professional wrestling industry, visit our Wrestling section.
Live Poll
Do you plan to watch the 2026 Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament matches?
