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Former NXT Champions To Re-Sign With WWE

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WWE NXT logo and Shayna Baszler

With NXT a staple brand of WWE for 15 years, most of the company’s top talent have passed through its doors and one time in their careers.

While some NXT alum have since left the company and established themselves elsewhere, other former stars could potentially be tempted to return to WWE in some capacity, whether it be on screen or behind the scenes.

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Here are six former NXT Champions to potentially re-sign with WWE.

6. Samoa Joe

Former three-time NXT Champion Samoa Joe has been open about potentially winding down his in-ring career in the near future.

While he remains signed to AEW – he seems to already be making the shift to more acting opportunities including starring in Twisted Metal as the performer of the masked Sweet Tooth (with Will Arnett voicing the character).

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As Samoa Joe’s career progresses in Hollywood, it might make sense for him to make a return to WWE which could bolster opportunity for more film roles in the future.

With stars like Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre seemingly poised to follow suit of The Rock and John Cena in gaining Hollywood acclaim – Samoa Joe could easily find himself on the list as well if he were to return to WWE.

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5. Trevor Lee (Cameron Grimes)

WWE star Cameron Grimes

Another WWE star that found a way to shine on NXT but got a bit lost on the main roster is former North American Champion, Trevor Lee (fka Cameron Grimes).

Despite only being in his twenties when he joined WWE, Lee had great experience and found success in promotions such as TNA, where he became a multi-time X-Division Champion.

In WWE Lee found most notoriety with his Richest Man in NXT gimmick that saw him feuding with The Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase.

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Having demonstrated his abilities to be entertaining inside and outside the ring in NXT, Trevor Lee could definitely make a mark if he returned to WWE and would offer the company a star for the future at the same time.

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4. Shayna Baszler

WWE star Shayna Baszler

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With the latest crop of talent who were released from their WWE contracts in May now officially free agents, fans will be curious to see what the future looks like for Shayna Baszler.

While watchers of AEW and TNA Wrestling may have hoped that the “Queen of Spades” would debut in either company – perhaps she’s more likely to return to WWE.

The former NXT Women’s Champion has been working as a backstage producer in NXT throughout her non-compete period, but has reportedly not re-signed as of yet.

Baszler has noted that she isn’t sure she if she’s ready to hang up her boots in favor of a backstage role – so perhaps the two-time NXT Women’s Champion will return to WWE in a backstage role following a run in another promotion.

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3. Adam Cole

At AEW All In Texas Adam Cole vacated the TNT Championship due to injury, with his wrestling future left unclear.

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Given his past history with concussions it remains unknown when or if Cole will elect to return to in-ring competition or pursue a role outside of the squared circle.

Regardless of whether or not he decides to continue wrestling, the veteran star has the knowledge and in-ring skills to serve a purpose for many years to come, whether that be in AEW or WWE.

With arguably his best years coming in NXT alongside the Undisputed Era, Adam Cole could be integral in helping to shape the future of the brand he once called home.

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2. Bishop Dyer (Baron Corbin)

Baron Corbin in WWE NXT

After a twelve-year tenure with WWE, fans were somewhat shocked to hear that Baron Corbin would not see his contract with the company renewed.

Undoubtedly still with fan support as well as plenty of stories to be told, Corbin, who now competes as Bishop Dyer, could still have a lot of life in his character in WWE.

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Notably having an enjoyable run on NXT, the former United States Champion would also be able to serve as a convincing and compelling on-screen authority figure in the event Ava moved on from the role.

With the ability for the Bishop Dyer character to potentially show off more of the real life star’s interests and attitude – perhaps there is more to come from Baron Corbin in WWE.

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1. Keith Lee

Former WWE star Keith Lee in AEW

While Keith Lee hasn’t seen action in AEW since December 2023, with it initially being reported that he was dealing with an undisclosed injury.

However, after recently confirming on social media that he is healthy – perhaps he could make his way back to WWE.

Blending size, style and agility – Keith Lee remains a fan favorite that people would like to see make a return to the ring.

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Despite success in Triple H’s NXT Lee foundered on the main roster due to some questionable creative choices, but with “The Game” at the helm one would expect much better for him should he eventually return.

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