While not all WWE name changes are popular, sometimes a switch-up is necessary to provide new life to a character.
From obvious shifts in names based on real life events to the possibility that an NXT name has been entirely killed off – there are quite a few names that could use an update.
Here are eight WWE stars that could undergo a name change.
8. Bron Breakker
While Bron Breakker remains the brash and destructive version of his character now as a member of The Vision faction – it stands to reason at some point in the future he could change things up.
Potentially upon a babyface turn, Bron Breakker could part ways with his former iteration by changing his name into something more indicative of his famous family.
Since his real life first name is Bronson, simply adding the surname Steiner could suffice if not looking to change up the entire name.
With his cousin Brock signed to a WWE NIL deal and exploring his potential future, there could be a new Steiner generation Steiner tag team before long.
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7. Natalya
A veteran star that could bring an exciting new character forth on the main roster is Natalya.
While she remains Natalya on the main roster, there have been several notable appearances by the legend in independent wrestling and AAA.
Potentially bringing her Low-Key Legend character to WWE in the future, Natalya could become Nattie on the main roster.
With her more tough and gritty persona including less glamorous styling and bodyguards on her ring entrance with a more UFC style presentation – hopefully Nattie at least sees a Royal Rumble entry in 2026 if not an entire storyline.
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6. Apollo Crews
While Apollo Crews has been out of in-ring action since January 2025, there has been a very good reason.
After suffering a torn pectoral muscle during a SmackDown match with Johnny Gargano on January 24, Crews subsequently underwent surgery and extensive rehab.
However recently being spotted back into in-ring training, it seems that a return for the veteran star could be coming soon.
As a former United States Champion and Intercontinental Champion, Apollo Crews could definitely return with a brand new name.
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5. Maxxine Dupri
While she has gone on to be a member of the Alpha Academy for far longer, there is a lingering reference to Maxxine Dupri’s original gimmick on the main roster.
Introduced as the sister of Max Dupri (played by LA Knight), Maxxine seemed very much in charge of the Maximum Male Models agency which included models, Mansoor and Mace – both of which have departed WWE.
Really the only evidence that any of that storyline ever occurred on the main roster is Maxxine’s last name.
Possibly looking for a rebrand in the future – especially if appearing in a mixed tag team with her real life fiancé Anthony Luke – we could see a new surname for Maxxine in the future.
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4. Zelina Vega
After failing in her bid to reclaim the United States Championship from Giulia on SmackDown on August 1, Zelina Vega has not wrestled on TV.
However, that doesn’t mean that she isn’t still in active competition as she recently took part in on-going bouts against Giulia during WWE’s most recent tour of the UK ahead of Clash in Paris.
Potentially off TV to reboot her character, Vega could definitely be positioned as the muse for real-life husband Aleister Black.
Joining forces to take on the likes of Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch or CM Punk & AJ Lee could lead to a truly iconic feud.
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3. Tony D’Angelo
While many fans assume that upon a call up to the main roster that Tony D’s character shift a bit, the general theme would seem to make sense to stick with the star.
However with his in-ring power as well as compelling character work, Tony D’Angelo could actually completely reinvent himself into an entirely different main roster character.
Potentially abandoning the mobster vibe of his Don of NXT character all together, there are a plethora of options as to what could be next for the former NXT North American Champion.
Since he is a real life pal of Bron Breakker, perhaps the next time fans see D’Angelo – he will have joined The Vision.
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2. Uncle Howdy
While the Wyatt Sicks joined forces, their individual names stayed the same with Joe Gacy, Erick Rowan, Dexter Lumis and Nikki Cross all keeping the same moniker.
However there has been a schism in the presentation of Bo Dallas vs. Uncle Howdy since recently Dallas in his former form appeared in a backstage segment.
Perhaps finding a middle ground, Bo Dallas could introduce himself as a different name for his non-monster form.
While the Uncle Howdy character definitely should remain – there is something that could be done to bring together the lore of the group in regards to the name of their fearless leader.
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1. Lexis King
Many of WWE’s legacy talent such as Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and Charlotte Flair have had their characters utilize the last name used by their famous fathers.
However in recent years, the practice has fallen by the wayside with entirely different names being introduced. Despite wrestling in AEW as Brian Pillman Jr, Lexis King would follow suit with a brand new name in WWE.
In actuality, it would be great for all of the legacy talent in NXT to use the surname of their famous family member. Uriah Conors wrestled in the indies as Brogan Finlay after Fit Finlay, Charlie Dempsey could take up the Regal surname after William Regal and so forth – but alas, just one would be great.
Able to launch Lexis King on the main roster in a very different way if comes to embrace his legacy and give it a go again in the ring as Brian Pillman Jr., there could be an emotional storyline in between.
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