NXT Rising Stars
Class of 2026

The most complete package in NXT. Roxanne Perez debuted as a barely-known indie talent and has developed into an elite wrestler with a mastered character — the former prodigy who turned to manipulation and deception to stay on top. Her in-ring psychology is years ahead of her experience level, and her Pop Rox finisher (cutter from the second rope) is one of the most crisp moves in NXT history.

Je’Von Evans has the most natural athletic ability of any NXT roster member in recent memory. At just 20 years old, he executes springboards, moonsaults, and 450 splashes with the casual ease of someone who has been doing it for decades. His debut pop from the NXT crowd was enormous, and he has lived up to the hype. If WWE can build the right character around his athletics, Evans is a future main-event player.

A former gymnast, Kelani Jordan brings a unique athletic dimension to women’s wrestling. Her cartwheels into offence and aerial combinations look genuinely different from the standard WWE playbook. As a former NXT Women’s Champion, she already has the credibility to carry a main-roster programme. Jordan is arguably more physically spectacular than she is experienced — which makes her a project that could pay off enormously with the right programme.

Sol Ruca has a move nobody else has. The Sol Snatcher — a running handspring cutter off the ropes — is the most innovative finishing move debuted in NXT in years. Ruca is a former college volleyball and basketball athlete whose natural coordination allows her to execute moves that other wrestlers physically cannot. Character development is the next frontier, but the athleticism is already there to make a noise on the main roster.

Tony D’Angelo is the best character on the NXT roster. His Italian mob family gimmick — complete with fish-wrapped weapons, capos, and a deeply committed promo style — is one of the most entertaining acts in WWE. As the leader of the D’Angelo Family faction, he controls NXT’s mid-card with charisma and genuine menace. His in-ring work has improved steadily, and the character is ready for the big stage.

Wren Sinclair has developed one of the most consistent and believable heel characters in NXT. Her entitled, condescending persona connects with audiences instantly — they genuinely dislike her, which is the highest compliment a heel can receive. Her psychology in matches has been noted by veterans backstage, and her ability to make opponents look good while still performing convincingly as the villain is a rare skill at her career stage.

All Ego Ethan Page brings legitimate professional wrestling experience to NXT — a veteran of Impact Wrestling and AEW who knows exactly how to make himself the most hated person in any arena. His arrogant, self-aggrandising character works because Page genuinely believes every word he says, and the conviction sells it. As a former AEW star, he adds a cross-promotion dimension to his storylines that NXT’s audience appreciates.

The NXT Women’s Tag Champions have dominated their division with a combination of physical dominance (Lash at 6’1”) and ring generalship (Jakara). Lash Legend is one of the most physically imposing women in wrestling history, and as her technique has improved her ceiling has risen dramatically. Together they form a formidable unit that could transition directly into the main-roster Women’s Tag picture.