There are a number of NXT stars seemingly set for a call up to the WWE main roster in the coming months following WrestleMania and the 2025 WWE Draft.
With major names like Giulia, Stephanie Vaquer, Ricky Saints and Jordynne Grace recently joining the roster, big free agents joining NXT is a common occurrence for the brand over the years.
With NXT likely losing a number of top names, there are plenty of free agents on the market that WWE could sign to fill any potential holes on the roster.
Here are 8 potential free agent WWE NXT signings.
8) Matt & Jeff Hardy
The legendary Matt and Jeff Hardy recently made their return to WWE television with a short run on NXT, where they faced off against NXT Tag Team Champions Nathan Frazer and Axiom at Roadblock.
With the Hardys reigning as TNA World Tag Team Champions, it felt inevitable that the iconic tag team would return to the company as part of the partnership between WWE and TNA.
The Hardys are currently signed to TNA, but it wouldn’t be too surprising to see them return to WWE for one last ride before they call it a career.
A quick full-time run in NXT before moving back to the main roster would help elevate the developmental names on the brand, as well as build anticipation for Matt and Jeff’s returns to main roster WWE television.
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7) Mina Shirakawa
Today it was announced that STARDOM’s Mina Shirakawa is set to leave the company at the end of the month following the expiration of her contract.
Mina has made a number of appearances on AEW television as part of the storyline with Mariah May and Toni Storm, so she is already a well established name for the US TV audience.
Mina has previously spoken about her desire to face off against Asuka, and with fellow former STARDOM star Giulia currently atop NXT, Mina could be the next to make the move.
Her future will be an interesting one to follow.
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6) Matt Cardona
Former WWE star Matt Cardona has undergone a complete career resurgence since his release from the company back in April 2020.
The former Zack Ryder has become an ‘Indie God’ over the past five years, which includes appearances for AEW, TNA, GCW and many other promotions.
Cardona’s wife Chelsea Green reigns as the current Women’s United States Champion, and she has often spoken about potentially reuniting with her husband in WWE.
A Cardona return to WWE has felt inevitable for a while now, and him returning to NXT to re-establish himself would be good for both him and the brand.
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5) Mike Santana
Former AEW star Mike Santana has been growing into his own as a singles wrestler in TNA since his departure from AEW.
Santana is currently part of a storyline with Mustafa Ali in the company, with Santana putting on performances to raise his stock in the eyes of the fans and the promotion.
With the ongoing TNA and WWE partnership, Santana has yet to make an appearance on NXT television, but he would add some great depth to the roster.
Santana signing to NXT full-time after his TNA run ends would be a nice next step for him.
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4) Masha Slamovich
Current TNA Knockouts Champion Masha Slamovich has yet to make an in-ring appearance for NXT, though she has appeared on the show.
Masha has been shown in the crowd multiple times on NXT television as part of a build to a Knockouts Championship match with Cora Jade in TNA.
With Jordynne Grace also making multiple appearances for NXT last year before signing with NXT, it wouldn’t be too surprising to see Masha follow in her footsteps.
The NXT women’s division is arguably the strongest part of the brand, and adding a name like Masha would only improve it’s stock.
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3) Luke Jacobs
WWE is reportedly set to host it’s latest tryouts in Europe later this week, with a number of top European prospects expected to take part.
Among the reported names is current Progress Wrestling Champion Luke Jacobs, who had a rather impressive year on the British Independent scene last year.
Jacobs made an appearance as a security guard on the SmackDown show in Barcelona, alongside a number of other names set to take part in the tryout.
It could only be a matter of time before Jacobs steps into the ring on NXT.
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2) Joe Hendry
As part of the WWE and TNA partnership, Joe Hendry has made multiple appearances on NXT, as well as in the 2025 men’s Royal Rumble match.
Hendry currently reigns as the TNA World Champion, and already has a built in fandom among the WWE fans after his appearances for the company.
Hendry’s TNA contract is set to run later into 2025, so it’s not hard to imagine that WWE will look to bring him in full-time once his contract expires.
A full-time NXT run leading into a main roster debut would be the most likely scenario.
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1) Rusev & Lana
Former AEW World Tag Team Champion Ricky Starks left the company last month, with him now officially signed to WWE, where he is now known as Ricky Saints.
Saints’ departure came at the same time as the AEW departures of Malakai Black and Miro, with teasers for Black’s return to the company now airing on SmackDown.
Miro is the odd man out right now, but him returning to the company as a gatekeeper on the NXT brand following the Draft would help fill any gaps left on the roster.
With he and Lana now back together after recently renewing their vows, the pair returning together would be a fun reunion.
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