If you follow NXT closely, chances are you’ve got a few names in mind who feel ready for the jump to RAW or SmackDown. With the WWE Performance Center producing more refined talent than ever, the challenge isn’t about whether someone has potential. It’s about timing, polish, and presentation.
Not everyone needs a title reign in NXT to prove they’re ready. In some cases, moving up before that can actually help their development. This list represents ten NXT talents who seem prepared to transition into meaningful roles on the main roster. Whether it’s their charisma, ring work, or the ability to connect with an audience, each brings something that could thrive on a bigger stage. Let’s dive in.
10 NXT Stars On The Verge Of Breaking Through
10. Jaida Parker
Jaida Parker has already shown she’s more than just a prospect. She’s a natural talker, delivers emotional promos, and brings intensity to every match. The only thing missing is a title run, but in today’s NXT women’s division, that’s not a deal-breaker.
She reminds me a bit of Bianca Belair before her call-up. Belair didn’t win the NXT Women’s Championship, yet it was obvious she was on her way up. Jaida has that same kind of presence. With a few more defining moments, she could be main event-ready.
9. Tatum Paxley
9. Tatum PaxleyTatum plays a crazy, unhinged character and fully commits to it. There are women on the main roster who’ve been there for years and still don’t offer anything beyond looks or a family name.
Paxley still isn’t seen as a real threat, but her heel turn (sparked by the real-life release of Gigi Dolin and Shotzi’s departure) should be the beginning of that shift. There’s a ton of potential here, and I think it’s only a matter of time. I know some aren’t believing in her yet, but I have faith she will go far.
8. Shawn Spears
Shawn Spears is a veteran who’s been everywhere and done just about everything. His return to NXT has given him a platform to guide younger talent while still showing he can deliver in the ring.
He was revealed as the masked attacker who ambushed John Cena before Backlash, which shows that WWE still sees value in his presence. Spears has said before that he’d be content finishing his in-ring career in NXT and becoming a coach. That kind of mindset makes him even more valuable, even if he’s not chasing a permanent main roster spot.
7. Stephanie Vaquer
Yes, she could drop the NXT title this week, get called up, and thrive. But the recent hype shouldn’t be a reason to rush her. Let things settle first, then see if she can be developed beyond what’s already an appealing mix of look and skill.
The women’s division is stacked, and Vaquer sits on top of it. She should be bringing others up with her, and they will make her even better as a result. By the time she hits the main roster, Stephanie Vaquer will be ready to take the world by storm.
6. Ricky Saints
Most of the names in this list share something in common. Many are experienced wrestlers who spent years in other promotions, and that includes Ricky Saints. The only reason he’s in NXT is to adjust to WWE’s style.
Yes, he can still refine his character and polish his ring work, but his overall skill set is already solid. Brimming with confidence, Ricky Saints is simply earning his spot on RAW or SmackDown. He isn’t getting fast tracked because of who his friends are, but because he delivers.
5. Wes Lee
I’ve followed him since his Impact Wrestling days as Desmond Xavier, and he’s never been better than he is now. I don’t care much for the stable he’s leading (his muscle guys haven’t impressed yet), but it shows the faith Triple H and Shawn Michaels have in him to mentor younger talent.
Wes Lee just needs the opportunity. A moment to shine. I know he’ll take it and run with it, but the competition is fierce and there’s only so much airtime to go around. He has several doubters, but I’ve seen his progression. It’s crazy to think he’s the same guy I enjoyed watching in the X-Division a few years ago.
4. Oba Femi
The “Ruler” and NXT Champion is in a tough spot, mainly because of his own dominance and the lack of believable challengers.
I’m happy with how comfortable he’s become on the microphone. The NXT fans appreciate him, and considering how they previously turned on Bron Breakker for being too dominant, that speaks volumes about Oba’s presence. Still, he hasn’t been pushed to the limit by anyone who feels like a threat. He isn’t truly ready until he’s tested by an equal in every way.
3. Trick Williams
“Trick Willy” was ready last year. But instead of pulling the trigger on his popular babyface run, they turned him heel to see if he could figure that side out too.
It was a smart move, because being able to work both sides effectively is a big deal. Doing that kind of development on the main roster can be tough, just ask Tiffany Stratton after her face turn. Trick isn’t quite there yet as a heel, but I believe it’s going to click very soon. Once it does, he won’t need NXT anymore. He’ll be ready to shine on a bigger stage and probably surpass his former friend, Carmelo Hayes.
2. Jordynne Grace
I read a report last week where she expressed interest in wrestling in different venues, and that already shows how limited she feels being in NXT.
I’m not sure what else NXT can do for her outside of helping her adapt to the WWE style. Does she need to win the NXT Women’s Title first? I don’t think so. Most fans already know she carried the TNA Knockouts division for years. She had her Royal Rumble moment, and keeping her in NXT while Stephanie Vaquer is hot as champion only makes her feel colder each week.
Either Jordynne Grace gets a high-profile feud to remind everyone how important she is to the NXT Women’s division, or it’s time to move her up and see how she handles RAW or SmackDown. If Giulia can do it, then so can she.
1. Ethan Page
Talk about a guy with all the tools. “All-Ego” Ethan Page was already too good for NXT before he arrived, and he’s consistently shown why. He doesn’t need to be World Champion or live in the main event. He has that Miz-like quality where no matter where he’s placed on the card, he delivers.
WWE needs more heels like Page to help get younger babyfaces over, and he’s in his prime right now. As a total package, I don’t think anyone in NXT gets it more than Ethan Page. That’s just my opinion, though. Whether you agree or not, I hope you can at least respect the take that Ethan Page is incredibly talented. Hell, even The Rock wanted a segment with him. That has to count for something, right?
Conclusion
NXT is loaded with talent, but these ten names feel especially close to making the jump. Or, in Spears’ case, contributing in other meaningful ways. Some will rise quickly, others might benefit from a slower burn, but all of them have shown signs they can hang with the best on RAW or SmackDown.
Fans always debate who’s ready and who still needs seasoning. But sometimes, you don’t know for sure until the spotlight hits. These are the names I’ll be watching closely as WWE continues to shuffle its roster in 2025. Thanks for reading!
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