NXT stands as WWE’s premier developmental brand, serving as a nurturing ground for future superstars in professional wrestling. Success within NXT often translates to opportunities on the main roster, where some wrestlers make the leap within a year, while others require a bit more time honing their skills.
As of now, the roster comprises 37 male and 26 female wrestlers, also including talents who have transitioned from TNA and Evolve. Soon, LFG winners Tyra Mae and Jasper Troy will enhance this lineup. This analysis focuses on current NXT participants featured in live broadcasts.
The selection criteria for identifying wrestlers ready for a main roster debut include the duration of their NXT tenure, individual accomplishments, and their overall impact on the programming. The final list will showcase ten noteworthy talents, with an equal division of five men and five women.
10. Tatum Paxley
The Misfit With Nowhere Else To Go
| NXT Debut | February 15, 2022 |
| NXT Record | 46 Wins, 73 Losses, 2 Draws |
| Achievements | #141 of 250 Female Wrestlers in PWI Women’s 250 (2024) |
Tatum Paxley has garnered accolades for her innovative character and solid in-ring performance. With a knack for switching from cheerful to ominous, Paxley quickly gained popularity among fans after her debut in early 2022.
Teaming with Ivy Nile, Paxley enjoyed an impressive start, securing victories in two of their first three matches against Fallon Henley and Kayla Inlay. Although she has yet to secure championship gold, Paxley’s skills earned her recognition in Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s top 250 female wrestlers.
Currently grappling with personal losses within her storylines, such as the departures of Gigi Dolin and Shotzi, Paxley finds herself in a precarious narrative arc. This might be the perfect moment for her to transition to the main roster, offering a fresh addition to the mid-card division.
9. Tony D’Angelo
It’s Time For The Don To Move On
| NXT Debut | October 5, 2021 |
| NXT Record | 80 Wins, 33 Losses, 2 Draws |
| Achievements | #182 of 500 Singles Wrestlers in PWI 500 (2022) |
| NXT North American Championship (1 time) | |
| NXT Heritage Cup (1 time) | |
| NXT Tag Team Championship (2 times) |
During his nearly four years with NXT, Tony D’Angelo has created a significant presence as the head of The D’Angelo Family. After a promising debut year, he earned recognition on the PWI 500 list, ranking 182nd.
His contributions include multiple tag team championship reigns and a noteworthy victory that ended Oba Femi’s historic North American Championship run. D’Angelo’s ability to engage in compelling rivalries showcases his potential and talent.
Having lost the NXT North American Championship and faced betrayal from Stacks, D’Angelo’s storyline may soon come to a close. To avoid appearing stereotypical, it may benefit his character to tone down the mafia persona, allowing his strong promotional skills and athleticism to shine on the main roster.
8. Lash Legend
The Boujee Bully Will Be A Threat
| NXT Debut | February 22, 2022 |
| NXT Record | 48 Wins, 79 Losses, 1 Draw |
| Achievements | Appeared in the 2025 Royal Rumble |
Lash Legend is undoubtedly a talent destined for the main roster; it’s merely a question of timing. Though her record might not yet reflect it, her unique skill set and charisma suggest she’s ready for the spotlight.
Her earlier success as part of a tag team indicates her capacity to adapt and thrive within competitive match environments. However, the recent departures of her tag partners present an opportunity for her to evolve as a solo competitor.
Having participated in the 2025 Royal Rumble, Legend’s impressive ability to engage audiences places her as a clear threat in any championship competition she pursues.
7. Ethan Page
Destroy The Main Roster With A Smile
| NXT Debut | June 9, 2024 |
| NXT Record | 20 Wins, 17 Losses, 0 Draws |
| Achievements | #75 of 500 Singles Wrestlers in PWI 500 (2024) |
| NXT Championship (1 time) |
“All Ego”Ethan Page represents a wealth of experience in the ring, making his addition to NXT a notable moment after his exit from AEW. His arrival was marked with immediate success, securing the NXT Championship shortly after debuting.
As a recognized top-75 talent globally by PWI, Page has demonstrated his versatility both in singles and tag team competitions, having held multiple championships across various promotions.
With a strong in-ring performance and engaging promos, Page is poised for a main roster call-up, and it seems overdue given his accomplishments.
6. Sol Ruca
Career Potential Brighter Than The Sun
| NXT Debut | June 24, 2022 |
| NXT Record | 48 Wins, 44 Losses, 0 Draws |
| Achievements | #107 of 250 Female Wrestlers in PWI Women’s 250 (2024) |
| PWI Rookie of the Year (2023) | |
| NXT Women’s North American Championship (1 time) | |
| WWE Women’s Speed Championship #1 Contender Tournament (2025) | |
| WWE Women’s Speed Championship (1 time) |
Sol Ruca is transitioning from NXT champion to a broader audience, rapidly establishing herself as a compelling performer. Her surfer-inspired persona and innovative finishing move have led to significant fan engagement.
Her accolades, including Rookie of the Year and rankings among the top 250 female wrestlers, underline her rapid rise within the organization. Ruca’s achievements at just 25 years old signal a promising future ahead in professional wrestling.
She has already made an impactful presence by capturing titles across multiple platforms, demonstrating her versatility as a performer within WWE’s expanding landscape.
5. Ricky Saints
The Revolution Will Continue To Be Televised
| NXT Debut | January 17, 2016 (Current run: February 25, 2025) |
| NXT Record | 5 Wins, 1 Loss, 0 Draws |
| Achievements | #92 of 500 Singles Wrestlers in PWI 500 (2020) |
| NXT Championship (1 time) |
Ricky Saints, formerly known as Ricky Starks, made an unexpected impact upon joining NXT, showcasing his exceptional wrestling skills and charisma instantly. His time in NXT has solidified him as a top-tier competitor.
While his previous stint with AEW ended abruptly, Saints wasted no time making a name for himself in NXT, quickly capturing the NXT North American Championship. His ability to engage the audience and promote character-driven storytelling adds to his appeal as a future main roster star.
With his promo skills and in-ring talent, Saints is undeniably poised for a swift transition to the main roster, where he will likely shine against wrestling’s elite.
4. Jaida Parker
Ms. Parker’s Time Is Quickly Approaching
| NXT Debut | October 28, 2022 |
| NXT Record | 31 Wins, 31 Losses, 2 Draws |
| Achievements | #90 of 250 Female Wrestlers in PWI Women’s 250 (2024) |
| Appeared in the 2025 Royal Rumble |
With an engaging presence and rapidly developing skills, Jaida Parker’s main roster debut appears imminent. Her charisma and ongoing in-ring enhancement make her a favorite to ascend within the next year.
Even without championship accolades, Parker’s recognition among the top 100 female wrestlers signals her remarkable growth. Her participation in the Royal Rumble indicates WWE’s intention to further elevate her position in the future.
At 26, Parker is on a trajectory to become a significant player in WWE, with championship aspirations likely aligned with her main roster debut.
3. Trick Williams
It’s Finally Time To Whoop That Trick
| NXT Debut | October 5, 2021 |
| NXT Record | 81 Wins, 46 Losses, 3 Draws |
| Achievements | #28 of 500 Singles Wrestlers in PWI 500 (2024) |
| NXT Championship (2 times) | |
| NXT North American Championship (1 time) | |
| Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge (2023) |
Trick Williams’ magnetic charisma and audience engagement are undeniable assets in NXT, evidenced by his popularity and audience connection. He’s made significant strides, becoming a two-time NXT Champion and recently appearing on SmackDown, solidifying his reputation.
His unique phrase, “Whoop That Trick, ”resonated well with the main roster audience, proving his crossover appeal and showcasing his readiness for a broader platform. Williams ranks high on the PWI singles list, illustrating his ability to exceed expectations.
As he prepares for a probable main roster push in 2025, expect Williams to emerge as a key figure in WWE, equipped with both in-ring prowess and captivating promotional abilities.
2. Stephanie Vaquer
La Primera Is Already A Main Event Talent
| NXT Debut | October 15, 2024 |
| NXT Record | 32 Wins, 4 Losses, 1 Draw |
| Achievements | #5 of 250 Female Wrestlers in PWI Women’s 250 (2024) |
| NXT Women’s Championship (1 time) | |
| NXT Women’s North American Championship (1 time) | |
| Slammy Award – Breakout Superstar of the Year (2025) | |
| Appeared in the 2025 Royal Rumble |
Stephanie Vaquer’s entrance into NXT has felt more like an introduction to the main event scene, transcending traditional developmental confines. By the age of 30, she had already captured multiple world titles in top promotions, setting a high bar.
With a rapid rise to competitiveness, Vaquer has quickly become a dual champion in NXT, establishing her as a major star and earning recognition among the top female wrestlers worldwide. Her achievements include accolades from the PWI and a Slammy Award for Breakout Superstar.
Although her full-time main roster move is pending, she has already showcased her abilities in high-stakes matches, indicating a bright future on the larger stage alongside her recent appearances in key events.
1. Or Femi
A Future Main Roster World Champion
| NXT Debut | November 11, 2022 |
| NXT Record | 52 Wins, 18 Losses, 1 Draw |
| Achievements | #53 of 500 Singles Wrestlers in PWI 500 (2024) |
| NXT Championship (1 time) | |
| NXT North American Championship (1 time) | |
| NXT Men’s Breakout Tournament (2023) | |
| Men’s Iron Survivor Challenge (2024) | |
| NXT Year-End Award – Match of the Year (2024) – vs. Josh Briggs and Dijak | |
| NXT Year-End Award – Male Superstar of the Year (2024) |
Unquestionably, the top spot belongs to Oba Femi. Currently the reigning NXT Champion, Femi’s meteoric rise has positioned him as a future main roster standout.
In a short span, he has achieved significant milestones, including becoming a two-time champion and earning accolades for his matches, establishing him as a formidable talent in the wrestling landscape.
The atmosphere shifts when Oba Femi enters the ring, reinforcing his role as an intimidating competitor. His anticipated call-up to the main roster, along with fellow talents like Stephanie Vaquer and Trick Williams, signals an exciting future for WWE as they aim to create long-lasting champions in the industry.
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