Written by James Mertz
NXT has always been the developmental program for the stars of tomorrow in the WWE. It’s been some time since the WWE has brought up any NXT talent to the main roster, so here are 5 wrestlers I think should and will get the bump up in the near future.
1. Oba Femi
Femi has arguably been the biggest star on Tuesday nights for more than 2 years now, being the longest-reigning North American champion ever and holding the NXT championship for the majority of 2025. But since losing that title in late September, it seems as if Femi has nothing left to achieve on NXT. He has the size, the in-ring skill, and the persona to be a main eventer on the company’s top shows. I think he could appear on WWE television before the end of the year and deserves a spot in a match at Wrestlemania 42.
2. Trick Williams
Williams has become an “unc” at NXT, being with the brand for more than 4 years. The 31-year-old has put together some of the best matches of the new iteration of NXT. If you’ve watched the developmental brand, you’ve probably seen Williams as champion. He’s held the NXT championship twice, the North American title, and became the first WWE superstar to hold the TNA World championship. The “Whoop that Trick” chant in a packed arena or even stadium could rival Jey Uso’s “YEET”. It’s time he gets the call.
3. Joe Hendry
Hendry has one of the most unique career arcs and gimmicks in pro wrestling history. The TNA superstar became one of the biggest sensations in all of wrestling in a matter of months, riding the wave to a match against Randy Orton at Wrestlemania 41. Now, as he’s slowly being integrated more into NXT, the writing is on the wall that Hendry will be a full-time main roster superstar. The first time a superstar on Raw, SmackDown, or even a premium live event says his name, and he appears, will set the WWE universe on fire.
4. Je’Von Evans
The 21-year-old prodigy caught the eye of all WWE fans when he battled Sami Zayn in a U.S title open challenge on SmackDown. His electrifying performance against one of the company’s best shows that the heads of creative have big plans for this kid in the future. If he’s not getting a main title push down in NXT, it’s smarter to call him up and let him grow in front of the masses.
5. Blake Monroe
It’s been just six months down in NXT for Monroe, but her time in AEW as Mariah May has proved she can be at the top of a women’s division on a main show. She just won the Women’s North American title, but she doesn’t need a long run as champ before being ready to get the push.
