Traditionally, the post-WrestleMania season sees the WWE landscape shift – new feuds emerge, stars change brands, and most excitingly, new and returning performers debut.
With the company in the midst of a hot period, WWE is welcoming back stars from rival promotion AEW, as well as introducing major international signees whose arrivals are imminent.
WrestleMania week with its stacked lineup of independent shows also offered a glimpse at unsigned talent that could soon be making waves in WWE.
Here are six WWE debuts that could soon be hitting our screens.
6. Cappuccino Jones
Last November, WWE launched its ID program – a scheme offering contracts to promising independent wrestlers, giving them a “pathway to potentially join WWE.”
One of the first five signees was memorably named “Cold Brew” Cappuccino Jones – a performer with a creative coffee gimmick and undeniable charisma.
He showed real progress over WrestleMania weekend, delivering a breakout match against Dragon Gate stalwart KZY at Pandemonium’s star-studded The House Always Wins show.
With a gimmick tailor-made for NXT and clear in-ring improvement, it feels like only a matter of time before Jones makes the jump from ID prospect to fully signed talent.
Click the next page button below for more
5. Marcus Mathers
Another signee to WWE’s new ID program, Marcus Mathers is proving why he’s been widely considered a future star by long-term fans of indie wrestling.
Over WrestleMania weekend, the 22-year-old high-flyer was one of the standout performers, impressively wrestling nine matches, including a No DQ win over Sam Holloway in the WWE ID Men’s tournament.
Showcasing a style heavily influenced by Will Ospreay, Mathers brings a dynamic, risk-taking approach to his bouts.
Mathers is ready for television and a debut on NXT feels imminent.
Click the next page button below for more
4. Miyu Yamashita
One of the most talked-about shows of WrestleMania week was Josh Barnett’s Bloodsport – the no-ropes, shoot-style pro-wrestling event.
Among the surprises this year was the appearance of Natalya Neidhart, who stepped onto the mat for an intense, strike-heavy bout with Tokyo Joshi Pro’s standout Miyu Yamashita.
The 30-year-old Yamashita, known for her heavy kicks and palpable intensity, pushed the WWE veteran to her best match in years.
One of pro-wrestling’s best strikers with big-match presence, her unique style would offer something totally fresh to the WWE women’s division.
Click the next page button below for more
3. Hikuleo
A debut that feels long overdue is Hikuleo, the towering 6’8″ younger brother of Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa.
The 34-year-old left NJPW last June, where he’d held both the IWGP Tag Titles and the Strong Openweight Championship and had been heavily rumoured to join the Bloodline.
Surprisingly, despite WWE trademarking the name Talla Tonga, he was not introduced during the Bloodline Civil War storyline.
Hikuleo improved massively over the course of his New Japan run, and it’s now surely only a matter of time before he appears on WWE television.
Click the next page button below for more
2. Jeff Cobb
On April 12, The Rock sparked speculation by posting a cryptic Instagram clip, sporting a New Japan Pro-Wrestling shirt and holding a Rubik’s Cube.
Many believe the nod was aimed at Hawaiian-born Jeff Cobb, the former Olympic wrestler who just parted ways with New Japan after vacating the IWGP Tag Titles.
A former NEVER Openweight and TV Champion, Cobb has long been one of NJPW’s – and pro-wrestling’s – most impressive heavyweights.
With rumors placing his name on WWE’s internal roster, it feels inevitable that he soon appears on television and possibly not alone…
Click the next page button below for more
1. Aleister Black
Black was released from his AEW contract in February, bringing an end to a run that, despite many excellent bouts, was largely underwhelming.
One of pro-wrestling’s most unique in-ring performers, Black’s re-debut could happen any day now.
Recent vignettes seemingly teasing his return have featured the date April 25, so it seems we can expect him to show up on the post-WrestleMania edition of SmackDown.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!
Comments.
Loading comments…