The NXT Discussion Thread

[The Dart]

1 hour ago, WyattSheepMask said:

Wasn’t Konnor Ascension in developmental for 10 years before getting called up? Plenty of time for D’Angelo to finally get things together.

In all seriousness though, if they haven’t called him up by now I don’t imagine they ever will, which begs the question why he’s still there

6 and a half years.

[I Bent My Wookie]

Done another round up for those just joining to get a bit of a better understanding of who they're likely to see on TV week in and week out going forward. Will maybe do another post tomorrow about those treading waters who could push up in the next 12 months.

Anywho, 

Part 2 NXT 2025-2026 - A Wookie's Guide to the Roster

Due to internet dirtsheets, confirmed call ups and the likes don't expect anything on Femi, Evans, Trick, Grace, Legend or Monroe as they all seem or already are main roster bound. 

 

The Not Ready for Prime Time Players

Men's Division

1. Ethan Page - Men's North American Champion - "All Ego" is all over NXT these days, for all the right reasons. Somewhat of a success story considering TNA saw him as a tag guy and then comedy and AEW missed the mark too. Fantastic look, looks a lot bigger than a lot of the roster there and feels like he has a ton of fresh challengers ahead for the coming year. The current gimmick of wanting the NA title to be the most important can only grow stronger by Oba Femi vacating his thinking it was beneath him, whereas Page is all about his. 

For fans of: The Miz, but he hasn't overstayed his welcome yet or talks about his balls in front of children. Even a touch of LA Knight, in that he can talk, is good in the ring, but nothing stands out like WOW.

2. Leon Slater - Did you know he's bouncy? The youngest ever X Division champion and someone who seems like he's signed or on the way there to NXT. Flashy as hell, the Swanton 450 is made for reels and shares, fills the gap immediately left by Evans as the showstealer of NXT (and there's 2 things you can do about it, nothing and like it) 

For fans of: The early 2000's, reminds me of Amazing Red or PAC in what he can do, Styles for already showing technique beyond his years. 

3. Tony D'Angelo - Still only 30 but coming into his 5th year in NXT. Finally feels they're cutting the Don character and having him embrace being more of a tweener role at present. His return seems to have shed the gimmick and instead put him as all business, maybe 5 months away was what he needed to refresh fully.

For fans of: Suplex throwing, spinebuster hitting power techicians. Collegiate background, looks to be in better shape than when he left.

4. Ricky Saints - He's there. It's just a fact I've got to live with. There seemed to be a buzz when he arrived, he wasn't playing The Rock 1998 where all he needed was a matching t shirt and joggers combo and then bam, we're back with why he never could break a ceiling in AEW. Won a main event title with a tornado DDT, I think I've hit one of those by accident being carried out the pub. But he can talk, when he wants to and he could easily play a chicken shit heel if they gave him a bodyguard (Pretty Ricky needs protecting) but something is missing. 

For fans of: The Rock Circa '98

5. Joe Hendry - The fact he is still in NXT alongside SmackDown makes me feel they're prepared to pull the plug on him going up to the big show, because outside of a catchy theme song (annoyingly it is) he's just rather bland. Like he dyed his hair blonde to stand out and its exactly what Dolph Ziggler did nearly 20 odd years ago too. He's got a good background and isn't awful, and in front of a Full Sail crowd he'll always work enough to confuse you but yeah. He'll be there, but he's not the one.

For fans of: Viral 2006 YouTube song parodies, making a snack during the show. 

The Wildcard - Dion Lennox - The 'leader' of DarkState and the one who stands out the most of the 4. Big power and still young and fresh. From a storyline standpoint he's got an army around him which is going to make an ascension to the top easier. If he can come out the feud with Hendry on top he could position himself in early 2026 at the top of the contenders. 

Women's Division

1. Jacy Jayne - Women's NXT Champion - I am maybe more critical than most on here of her but her reign (let alone a second) really came out of nowhere. But the positives. Facially and expression wise, she plays a heel so well. Constant disdain for just about everything, exasperated when she doesn't get her own way, and it feels like the crowd wants to boo her, not in a go home way but in a "we want our favourite to beat you" way. 

For fans of: A steady hand. It feels like herself (and Fallon) found their calling being able to be against those coming up and helping them shine. Even at a detriment to her main roster chances of success. 

2. Tatum Paxley - The previous NXT champion and maybe done as a way to test the water for a much longer reign. Her entire story arc has been her being left behind or turned against to a point 2026 needs to be her realising she can do it on her own (though with Fatal Influence's numbers that feels unlikely). Technically very unique, some of her offense is surprising and works well for her unpredictable character. Plays crazy so well you worry for her actual sanity. 

For fans of: Me. I love her. But seriously anyone who is a fan of someone putting so much into character driven work. Her powerlifiting background gives her a unique athletic edge as well.

3. Izzi Dame - Women's North American Champion - Power and Height, and seemingly involved all over the shop all year it finally seems like it clicked right towards the end. It's hard to not compare her to Charlotte Flair in how her character comes across and its wave of arrogance. She's improved a lot on the mic too, putting her with Spears has this weird cult vibe to it. I actually see her staying in the title race with Hail now not Paxley, because storyline wise, Hail being vulnerable and at a loss after losing her belt is exactly what The Culling craves. 

For fans of: The next generation blonde, athletic powerhouse NXT talent. The right smaller opponents to showcase her strengths in 2026 and she could end the year as the main champion. 

4. Lola Vice - A welcome change to legit MMA backgrounds in women's wrestling, she actually has a personality that isn't just silent and violent. Has adapted really well to pro wrestling but really needs a title run of anything in 2026. Even the Speed title would make sense right now, 5 minute full throttle fights would set her character and style so well. 

For fans of: What Ronda Rousey/Sonya Deville/Shayna Baszler could have been with a little more charisma. Hip attacks and Booker T breaking your speaker system getting overstimulated like me in a crowd of flashing lights. 

5. Kelani Jordan - I'll say it now. They fucked up with Kelani Jordan. Highly athletic, compassionate baby face, great comeback fire, fans liked her and they had her turn heel because the locker room kicked her out for being on Team TNA (who she was champion of and actually asked her). She can rely a little too much on flips and tricks so it'll be interesting to see how she fares as a heel going forward more. Especially when there's no face champion for her to beat right now. She could tread water, but I see her being turned back sooner rather than later. 

For fans of: Asking yourself what NXT was thinking turning a obvious baby face heel? Innovative offense and high energy. 

The Wildcard - Sol Ruca - She's stuck in Groundhog Day. Zaria is her mate but always pissed off at her, she can't seem to get near the top title without some issue and her knees are gonna end up costing her massive. Realistically after the Bayley match she should have been promoted, but there's too many loose ends that need addressing. It'd be nice to not just do the expected, if only because the division doesn't need another heel. 

 

We're Better off Being Friends - The Tag Teams

Chase U - Uriah Connors and Kale Dixon w/Andre Chase - Don't expect this to last long, if David Finlay does sign with WWE, expect a name change or some form of acknowledgement from Connors on his lineage too. Neither seems like they'd ever be main event talents in WWE but they love a brother tag team and it has more longevity than Chase U.

The Culling - Niko Vance and Shawn Spears - I expect Spears to recruit someone from Evolve this year alongside Vance to be a tag team for The Culling, as he seems more of an influential figure than a talent for the group these days. Vance is a pretty big guy in NXT size, but still seems quite green.

DarkState - Osiris Griffin and Saquon Sugars w/ Cutler James - Lennox's henchmen, war dogs, fellow bitter rookies. Griffin is a big dude and may also break out, but by the time the group is done I don't see Cutler James still being employed.

Hank and Tank - A personal love of mine, because seperate they were awful but together they're funny, they work and the crowd is behind them. The only way to describe it is when the APA shoot kicked the crap out of Public Enemy, this broke off from the carnage and matured for 25 odd years. 

The High Ryze - Tyriek Igwe and Tyson Dupont - Trusted enough to be part of the NXT invasion group in TNA, they floundered as Wes Lee's back up and then after his release even trying to find footing on the show.

OTM - Bronco Niwa and Lucien Price - OTM are back on TV! So much could be done with these 2. I realise atheltic backgrounds are a dime a dozen in NXT but both these guys are high level and outstanding. Injuries have not gone their way but since they came back they've been pushed as badassess and of the current crop it makes sense for them to be hunting DarkState, they seem like the natural next challengers. 

Vanity Project - Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes w/Jackson Drake - They're gonna be great. They'll get slapped around all week. They're annoying as hell, they're basically Pretty Deadly but not British. I wouldn't be surprised if they end the year holding the belts and running for their life at every occasion. 

Edited January 7 by I Bent My Wookie

[Chili]

1 minute ago, I Bent My Wookie said:

Done another round up for those just joining to get a bit of a better understanding of who they're likely to see on TV week in and week out going forward. Will maybe do another post tomorrow about those treading waters who could push up in the next 12 months.

Anywho, 

Part 2 NXT 2025-2026 - A Wookie's Guide to the Roster

Due to internet dirtsheets, confirmed call ups and the likes don't expect anything on Femi, Evans, Trick, Grace, Legend or Monroe as they all seem or already are main roster bound. 

 

The Not Ready for Prime Time Players

Men's Division

1. Ethan Page - Men's North American Champion - "All Ego" is all over NXT these days, for all the right reasons. Somewhat of a success story considering TNA saw him as a tag guy and then comedy and AEW missed the mark too. Fantastic look, looks a lot bigger than a lot of the roster there and feels like he has a ton of fresh challengers ahead for the coming year. The current gimmick of wanting the NA title to be the most important can only grow stronger by Oba Femi vacating his thinking it was beneath him, whereas Page is all about his. 

For fans of: The Miz, but he hasn't overstayed his welcome yet or talks about his balls in front of children. Even a touch of LA Knight, in that he can talk, is good in the ring, but nothing stands out like WOW.

2. Leon Slater - Did you know he's bouncy? The youngest ever X Division champion and someone who seems like he's signed or on the way there to NXT. Flashy as hell, the Swanton 450 is made for reels and shares, fills the gap immediately left by Evans as the showstealer of NXT (and there's 2 things you can do about it, nothing and like it) 

For fans of: The early 2000's, reminds me of Amazing Red or PAC in what he can do, Styles for already showing technique beyond his years. 

3. Tony D'Angelo - Still only 30 but coming into his 5th year in NXT. Finally feels they're cutting the Don character and having him embrace being more of a tweener role at present. His return seems to have shed the gimmick and instead put him as all business, maybe 5 months away was what he needed to refresh fully.

For fans of: Suplex throwing, spinebuster hitting power techicians. Collegiate background, looks tonve to be in better shape than when he left.

4. Ricky Saints - He's there. It's just a fact I've got to live with. There seemed to be a buzz when he arrived, he wasn't playing The Rock 1998 where all he needed was a matching t shirt and joggers combo and then bam, we're back with why he never could break a ceiling in AEW. Won a main event title with a tornado DDT, I think I've hit one of those by accident being carried out the pub. But he can talk, when he wants to and he could easily play a chicken shit heel if they gave him a bodyguard (Pretty Ricky needs protecting) but something is missing. 

For fans of: The Rock Circa '98

5. Joe Hendry - The fact he is still in NXT alongside SmackDown makes me feel they're prepared to pull the plug on him going up to the big show, because outside of a catchy theme song (annoyingly it is) he's just rather bland. Like he dyed his hair blonde to stand out and its exactly what Dolph Ziggler did nearly 20 odd years ago too. He's got a good background and isn't awful, and in front of a Full Sail crowd he'll always work enough to confuse you but yeah. He'll be there, but he's not the one.

For fans of: Viral 2006 YouTube song parodies, making a snack during the show. 

The Wildcard - Dion Lennox - The 'leader' of DarkState and the one who stands out the most of the 4. Big power and still young and fresh. From a storyline standpoint he's got an army around him which is going to make an ascension to the top easier. If he can come out the feud with Hendry on top he could position himself in early 2026 at the top of the contenders. 

Women's Division

1. Jacy Jayne - Women's NXT Champion - I am maybe more critical than most on here of her but her reign (let alone a second) really came out of nowhere. But the positives. Facially and expression wise, she plays a heel so well. Constant disdain for just about everything, exasperated when she doesn't get her own way, and it feels like the crowd wants to boo her, not in a go home way but in a "we want our favourite to beat you" way. 

For fans of: A steady hand. It feels like herself (and Fallon) found their calling being able to be against those coming up and helping them shine. Even at a detriment to her main roster chances of success. 

2. Tatum Paxley - The previous NXT champion and maybe done as a way to test the water for a much longer reign. Her entire story arc has been her being left behind or turned against to a point 2026 needs to be her realising she can do it on her own (though with Fatal Influence's numbers that feels unlikely). Technically very unique, some of her offense is surprising and works well for her unpredictable character. Plays crazy so well you worry for her actual sanity. 

For fans of: Me. I love her. But seriously anyone who is a fan of someone putting so much into character driven work. Her powerlifiting background gives her a unique athletic edge as well.

3. Izzi Dame - Women's North American Champion - Power and Height, and seemingly involved all over the shop all year it finally seems like it clicked right towards the end. It's hard to not compare her to Charlotte Flair in how her character comes across and its wave of arrogance. She's improved a lot on the mic too, putting her with Spears has this weird cult vibe to it. I actually see her staying in the title race with Hail now not Paxley, because storyline wise, Hail being vulnerable and at a loss after losing her belt is exactly what The Culling craves. 

For fans of: The next generation blonde, athletic powerhouse NXT talent. The right smaller opponents to showcase her strengths in 2026 and she could end the year as the main champion. 

4. Lola Vice - A welcome change to legit MMA backgrounds in women's wrestling, she actually has a personality that isn't just silent and violent. Has adapted really well to pro wrestling but really needs a title run of anything in 2026. Even the Speed title would make sense right now, 5 minute full throttle fights would set her character and style so well. 

For fans of: What Ronda Rousey/Sonya Deville/Shayna Baszler could have been with a little more charisma. Hip attacks and Booker T breaking your speaker system getting overstimulated like me in a crowd of flashing lights. 

5. Kelani Jordan - I'll say it now. They fucked up with Kelani Jordan. Highly athletic, compassionate baby face, great comeback fire, fans liked her and they had her turn heel because the locker room kicked her out for being on Team TNA (who she was champion of and actually asked her). She can rely a little too much on flips and tricks so it'll be interesting to see how she fares as a heel going forward more. Especially when there's no face champion for her to beat right now. She could tread water, but I see her being turned back sooner rather than later. 

For fans of: Asking yourself what NXT was thinking turning a obvious baby face heel? Innovative offense and high energy. 

The Wildcard - Sol Ruca - She's stuck in Groundhog Day. Zaria is her mate but always pissed off at her, she can't seem to get near the top title without some issue and her knees are gonna end up costing her massive. Realistically after the Bayley match she should have been promoted, but there's too many loose ends that need addressing. It'd be nice to not just do the expected, if only because the division doesn't need another heel. 

 

We're Better off Being Friends - The Tag Teams

Chase U - Uriah Connors and Kale Dixon w/Andre Chase - Don't expect this to last long, if David Finlay does sign with WWE, expect a name change or some form of acknowledgement from Connors on his lineage too. Neither seems like they'd ever be main event talents in WWE but they love a brother tag team and it has more longevity than Chase U.

The Culling - Niko Vance and Shawn Spears - I expect Spears to recruit someone from Evolve this year alongside Vance to be a tag team for The Culling, as he seems more of an influential figure than a talent for the group these days. Vance is a pretty big guy in NXT size, but still seems quite green.

DarkState - Osiris Griffin and Saquon Sugars w/ Cutler James - Lennox's henchmen, war dogs, fellow bitter rookies. Griffin is a big dude and may also break out, but by the time the group is done I don't see Cutler James still being employed.

Hank and Tank - A personal love of mine, because seperate they were awful but together they're funny, they work and the crowd is behind them. The only way to describe it is when the APA shoot kicked the crap out of Public Enemy, this broke off from the carnage and matured for 25 odd years. 

The High Ryze - Tyriek Igwe and Tyson Dupont - Trusted enough to be part of the NXT invasion group in TNA, they floundered as Wes Lee's back up and then after his release even trying to find footing on the show.

OTM - Bronco Niwa and Lucien Price - OTM are back on TV! So much could be done with these 2. I realise atheltic backgrounds are a dime a dozen in NXT but both these guys are high level and outstanding. Injuries have not gone their way but since they came back they've been pushed as badassess and of the current crop it makes sense for them to be hunting DarkState, they seem like the natural next challengers. 

Vanity Project - Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes w/Jackson Drake - They're gonna be great. They'll get slapped around all week. They're annoying as hell, they're basically Pretty Deadly but not British. I wouldn't be surprised if they end the year holding the belts and running for their life at every occasion. 

Good to hear Ethan Page is doing well, I really enjoyed his AEW work and even dragging Scorpio Sky to being watchable. He had a vlog at the time and I think that also helped me enjoy him. Seems a delightful bloke. Good to see.

[I Bent My Wookie]

Just now, Chili said:

Good to hear Ethan Page is doing well, I really enjoyed his AEW work and even dragging Scorpio Sky to being watchable. He had a vlog at the time and I think that also helped me enjoy him. Seems a delightful bloke. Good to see.

Is it weird to say, it feels like he's enjoying himself? Like he's getting to go to Mexico, work every week, chat absolute nonsense, wind the crowd up and he looks like he's having the time of his life without having to bump every week in throw away matches. 

[Arch Stanton]

9 hours ago, I Bent My Wookie said:

Won a main event title with a tornado DDT, I think I've hit one of those by accident being carried out the pub.

I really popped for this line, tremendous work!

 

[RedTwoster]

12 hours ago, Chili said:

Good to hear Ethan Page is doing well, I really enjoyed his AEW work and even dragging Scorpio Sky to being watchable. He had a vlog at the time and I think that also helped me enjoy him. Seems a delightful bloke. Good to see.

I’m still baffled as to why on earth they split Men of the Year in the first place, but he’s found himself in another stellar pairing in WWE, with Chelsea Green. They’re tremendous together and I’m a bit surprised that they’re yet to add him to her act on the main roster.

12 hours ago, I Bent My Wookie said:

4. Ricky Saints - He's there. It's just a fact I've got to live with. There seemed to be a buzz when he arrived, he wasn't playing The Rock 1998 where all he needed was a matching t shirt and joggers combo and then bam, we're back with why he never could break a ceiling in AEW. Won a main event title with a tornado DDT, I think I've hit one of those by accident being carried out the pub. But he can talk, when he wants to and he could easily play a chicken shit heel if they gave him a bodyguard (Pretty Ricky needs protecting) but something is missing. 

For fans of: The Rock Circa '98

Pretty much sums up how I felt about him in AEW. It became clear that he was missing something. I saw him as essentially being Sammy Guevara with less upside, which is a bit like saying something tastes like water, with less flavour. I don’t even think his mic work is particularly good - he has charisma, but he feels like a Rock tribute act rather than his own entity.

[LaGoosh]

Excellent work Wookie. I have no intention of ever watching NXT but enjoyed your write-ups very much.

I especially enjoyed seeing the names of the current NXT roster. The made up names have always been ridiculous but Osiris Griffin and Bronco Nima made me laugh out loud. Absolutely bonkers. How on Earth do they come up with these?

[DavidB6937]

Shawn's got to talk to Vince about something.

[Chico Torres]

Bizzare that NXT has so many black men as top prospects yet black men are denied having singles matches on WWE PLEs.

[Hannibal Scorch]

3 hours ago, RedTwoster said:

I don’t even think his mic work is particularly good - he has charisma, but he feels like a Rock tribute act rather than his own entity.

If Ricky Starks ever gets released, I’m sure there’s room for him still on the UK tribute scene 

[Arch Stanton]

Cannot stop giggling at 'Bret Rico is D.X.'

[Hannibal Scorch]

1 hour ago, Arch Stanton said:

Cannot stop giggling at 'Bret Rico is D.X.'

I do love Harvey Davidson as American Badass Taker

[HarmonicGenerator]

8 minutes ago, Hannibal Scorch said:

I do love Harvey Davidson as American Badass Taker

“Sensational Hardcore Matches, etc. etc. etc.” is my favourite bit.

[DavidB6937]

I can only imagine how incredible the souvenirs were!

[Hannibal Scorch]

1 hour ago, DavidB6937 said:

I can only imagine how incredible the souvenirs were!

I bet the halftime raffle had some real treats as well. Dr Death BCA Action Figure is a given