Many of WWE NXT’s most beloved champions have gone on to do big things on the main roster but there are some that ended up leaving the company.
From those who went to AEW a few years back but may re-consider now to others who have only recently departed but are still hotly demanded by fans, there are a plenty of names who could return to WWE one day.
Here are eight former NXT champions that could re-sign with WWE.
8. Dolph Ziggler
Dolph Ziggler had a notable run as NXT Champion back in 2022 when he had a stint on the brand despite being established on the main roster for so many years.
Capturing the title by beating Bron Breakker and Tommaso Ciampa in a triple-threat match in NXT, he would successfully defend it against Breakker and LA Knight in singles competition before Breakker captured the title on the post-WrestleMania episode of WWE Raw.
He is currently in TNA wrestling under his real name Nic Nemeth – and reigning as TNA World Tag Team Champion along with brother Ryan Nemeth – so his career certainly hasn’t stalled since departing WWE.
However, now that crossovers are possible given the partnership between WWE and TNA Wrestling, perhaps fans will see the return of Ziggler/Nemeth on WWE TV in the near future.
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7. Paige
Even before it was confirmed that Saraya had departed AEW, many fans were already calling for her to resume her role as Paige in WWE.
Becoming the inaugural winner of the NXT Women’s Championship back in 2013, it would be great to see Paige return, potentially even in contention for the NXT Women’s Championship in 2025.
With Jacy Jayne currently at the top of the mountain in the NXT women’s division and the addition of Mariah May to the already stacked division, to see Paige also enter the fray could be legendary.
With NXT gaining popularity amongst fans as being the most unpredictable brand, it would be great to see the punk rock version of Paige be able to spread her wings in a new era.
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6. Adam Cole
Former NXT Champion and North American Champion Adam Cole remains well regarded among WWE fans who recall his era of NXT fondly.
While he remains under AEW contract to 2027 per Tony Khan, any prospect of a Cole return to WWE might have to wait some time.
Plus, with his contract status also potentially becoming more complicated due to time out of action due to injury, there could be additional time on top of that.
However, any wrestler interested in pursuing things outside of in-ring work may potentially look to WWE for the added edge in entertainment industry opportunities – which would make a lot of sense for Adam Cole.
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5. Keith Lee
A few weeks ago, a fan tweeted to Keith Lee that they were hoping to see him back in an AEW ring soon, to which Lee’s reply was intriguing.
He wrote in response – “You have my appreciation. I am quite well! Only time will tell when or where, but I am confident that time will come. Have patience my friend. Lead with Love. Be well.”
It isn’t clear whether or not Keith Lee is medically cleared to compete at present, and his current contract status with AEW also remains unclear, as he last appeared in AEW in December 2023.
Whether or not he wants to return to in-ring competition, Keith Lee remains a beloved favorite that WWE fans would be elated to see return in any role.
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4. Samoa Joe
The biggest return that formerly held a championship in NXT would arguably be current AEW star Samoa Joe.
Having signed with AEW in April 2022, he has gone on to gain even more notoriety outside of pro wrestling.
While AEW undoubtedly has vast connections, Samoa Joe is now in a different stratosphere of mainstream recognition – and perhaps would be interested in exploring what a return to WWE could mean for his overall career.
With many returning stars to WWE also going on to sign major deals with Hollywood talent agencies, it would stand to reason that Samoa Joe may be willing to consider a return as he has shared himself he could plan to retire in the near future.
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3. Cora Jade
While Cora Jade has taken a host of bookings for this upcoming summer – going back to her former indie name Elayna Black – she hasn’t ruled out an eventual return to WWE.
Given her young age compared to length of time already in the wrestling business, it would seem that Jade could definitely return at some point in the future.
While she never captured a singles championship in WWE – rather was NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions along with Roxanne Perez – perhaps someday the pair will be reunited on the main roster.
At just 24 years old, Jade has plenty of time to continue to pick up experience outside of WWE before potentially making a comeback somewhere down the line.
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2. Athena (Ember Moon)
The former Ember Moon is currently signed to AEW as Athena, and she has been ROH Women’s Champion for over two years.
However, one thing that has been lacking is a position on AEW TV itself, as she has largely been exclusive to the ROH brand.
While she has publicly commented that her current deal with ROH and AEW allows for her to have the freedom to take on a lot of dream matches, there has also been a lot of change since she was last in WWE.
Perhaps desiring a bigger platform or a return for unfinished business, it may not be probable that Athena would be the next to return to WWE – but it isn’t impossible.
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1. Indi Hartwell
While she was both NXT Women’s Champion and NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion, Indi Hartwell’s main roster run wasn’t as acclaimed.
After she was released in October 2024, Indi Hartwell competed throughout indie shows before making her return to TV.
While Hartwell was recently revealed to be signed with TNA Wrestling, perhaps the partnership between TNA and WWE will allow for a surprise appearance by ‘Indi Wrestling’ at an upcoming event.
With the Evolution 2025 PLE on the horizon, it could make sense to see Hartwell pop back up for an appearance which could eventually lead the way to her re-signing with the company.
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