With so many notable names achieving championship success in NXT, it’s only natural that some may find their way back to WWE after periods of time away – as seen this year with Aleister Black and Andrade the year prior.
From more recently released stars that could re-sign with the company before going elsewhere, to others who would be making returns after far longer absences – WWE could re-sign some fan favorite talent from this list of former NXT champs.
Here are six former NXT Champions that could re-sign with WWE.
6. Dakota Kai
Since being released from WWE back in May, Dakota Kai has been keeping a relatively low profile.
The former NXT Tag Team Champion has not made her return to indie wrestling, something fans recently took note of, leading to a response from Kai on the topic during her recent Twitch live stream.
Clarifying that she did plan on getting back into wrestling, she noted that, for now, she’s enjoying taking “a little break” after many years of non-stop dedication.
Potentially resting and waiting for her next move – it would be great to see Dakota Kai signed soon – potentially back in WWE.
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5. Paige
Inaugural NXT Women’s Champion Paige remains the topic of much conversation among WWE fans.
While she departed the company back in July 2022, she would turn up in AEW later that year, where she competed in the ring for the first time since 2017 and eventually winning the AEW Women’s World Championship.
With fans continuing to hope that the recent returns of Nikki Bella and AJ Lee could harken also the return of the original anti-Divas – only time will tell.
When asked about a potential return to WWE in the future around the time of Evolution 2025 – Saraya has continued to keep a “never say never” stance on the matter.
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4. Karrion Kross
A two-time NXT Champion, Karrion Kross’s first run on the WWE main roster was something of a disaster.
While he gained popularity in his second run, it came to an end in August as the company let his contract expire.
Despite fans initially wondering if his recent WWE exit was a storyline, it now doesn’t appear to be that way, as Kross has gone on to confirm several indie appearances in the future as well as popping up in GCW.
While he seems to be moving on his career – there are still fans that remain hopeful that Kross will make his WWE return someday, with NXT a suitable landing spot should he do so.
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3. Samoa Joe
Former NXT Champion Samoa Joe entered WWE NXT as a legend of both ROH and TNA Wrestling, and only added to his reputation during his six years in WWE (across two spells).
After being released by WWE for the second time in 2021, Joe went on to sign with AEW where he has gone on to find further championship success, capturing the AEW World Championship, World Trios Championship and two TNT Championships.
Samoa Joe has been able to leverage his star power into increasingly notable acting roles, recently returning to AEW action after filming season two of the Peacock series Twisted Metal.
Potentially able to achieve even more Hollywood acclaim if he were to re-sign with WWE – Joe could look to make a return to WWE for on-screen opportunities beyond wrestling, as well as potentially join Triple H or Shawn Michaels backroom staff.
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2. Zachary Wentz
Involved in a notable crossover before the TNA Wrestling and NXT partnership became official in January 2025 – Zachary Wentz had a compelling storyline back in July 2024.
Formerly known as Nash Carter in his time in NXT – current TNA Wrestling star Zachary Wentz held the NXT Tag Team Championship along with Wes Lee in MSK.
Returning to NXT along with Trey Miguel to attempt to prevent Wes Lee from giving up on his career, he would end up betrayed in the end with Lee turning heel.
However bringing the The Rascalz including Wes Lee, Trey Miguel and now Myron Reed together could end up making a compelling force in WWE.
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1. Shayna Baszler
One of the releases in May 2025 that saddened fans most was that of Shayna Baszler.
Baszler’s ‘Queen of Spades’ character was iconic in NXT, capturing the NXT Women’s Championship 2x for a combined reign of 549 days – Baszler was the most dominant force in the division.
However, her main roster run would be more notable for her tag team work than singles action – leading to fans wanting Baszler to recapture her magic on NXT once again.
Seemingly still on good terms with the company – even helping out backstage in NXT during her non-compete period – Baszler would be a valuable addition to WWE either in front of the camera or contributing backstage.
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