With 2026 almost here, there could be some familiar faces making big returns at the upcoming WWE NXT New Year’s Evil event on January 6.
From stars that have departed the company in the recent past, to others that have been off TV for a while — there could be some exciting new stories kicking off in the new year.
Here are six potential returns at WWE NXT New Year’s Evil.
6. Indi Hartwell
With TNA Wrestling heating up ahead of their AMC Network debut on January 15 — it could be that Indi Wrestling makes her way back to WWE.
Being warmly received when she appeared as a part of the TNA and NXT crossover, Hartwell certainly could reclaim a top spot in NXT.
Able fill a potential void left in the babyfaces of NXT, Hartwell could be the perfect future feud for Blake Monroe or Jordynne Grace.
Returning to the WWE fold, Indi Hartwell could look to become a two-time NXT Women’s Champion in 2026.
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5. Brooks Jensen
After recently appearing as a part of the NXT invasion in TNA, it could be that there is another reason for Brooks Jensen to return.
With Tatum Paxley set to take on Izzi Dame at NXT New Year’s Evil after being unceremoniously dumped by the group as well, perhaps the pair have more in common than just the betrayal.
Potentially looking to get revenge on the male members of The Culling in Niko Vance and Shawn Spears, Jensen could have a reason to come back and prevent their interference.
Alternatively, looking to claim his spot back on the NXT roster, Jensen could interfere in something else on the show to kick off a fresh storyline.
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4. Luca Crusifino
Last seen on NXT TV back in July, Luca Crusifino has recently returned to in-ring action at NXT House Shows.
Seemingly now having a babyface presentation, it will be interesting to see what might happen with the return of the Consigliere to NXT.
With the potential that Tony D’Angelo could find himself on the card in the end for NXT New Year’s Evil, perhaps there will be a return for at least one other member of The Family.
With an on-screen return for Adriana Rizzo also possible, it could be that the time that “The Don of NXT” was off of TV was to get most of his gang back together.
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3. Jaida Parker
Potentially waiting to return to challenge either Blake Monroe or Thea Hail for the NXT Women’s North American Championship, perhaps there is another reason why Parker has been absent.
While she could be gearing up to be called up to the main roster in the near future, it would make complete sense to also see her make a return to NXT for a dominant run with gold in 2026.
With Jacy Jayne, Fallon Henley and potentially more poised to move on from the NXT women’s division to the main roster in the coming year, it could be a new era for Miss Parker at the Performance Center.
Easily able to anchor a major feud, it would be exciting to see Jaida Parker make a big moment when NXT returns in the new year.
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2. Nikkita Lyons
Another NXT star that could be making her way back to NXT TV might be Nikkita Lyons.
Although she hasn’t been featured on NXT TV in quite some time, Nikkita Lyons remains in active competition.
Featuring in house show matches as well as on WWE Evolve as well as a recent match on Main Event, she could be set for a return at New Year’s Evil.
Potentially challenging either the winner of the NXT Women’s Championship or kick up a new rivalry with the Women’s North American Champion, it is possible that the longtime NXT star could be returning to The CW soon.
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1. Dezmond Xavier (Wes Lee)
Having been shockingly released by WWE back in October, Wes Lee, now competing once again as Dezmond Xavier, could be someone that makes a surprise return to the company at NXT New Year’s Evil via the TNA Wrestling partnership.
Certainly with unfinished business left with the NXT roster, there could be a brand new cross-brand feud that captivates fans attention.
Given his storied history with the NXT North American Championship, perhaps Xavier could return to challenge Ethan Page at the event, or alternatively, Xavier and the fellow members of The Rascalz could target Darkstate’s NXT Tag Team Championships.
Whatever the case, 2026 could see Xavier prove to WWE why they were wrong to let him go by continuing to shine for TNA.
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