In the coming year, there could be some intriguing shake-ups ahead across the WWE roster including some main roster stars joining NXT.
From a more permanent move to a short-term stay, there are a host of WWE talent that might benefit themselves or the NXT brand from popping up at the Performance Center.
Here are seven main roster WWE stars that could join NXT in 2026.
7. Maxxine Dupri
One main roster star that never really had a run on NXT despite making a few appearances is Maxxine Dupri.
While she has been on a remarkable run on the main roster, there actually is a great reason to see Dupri head to NXT — at least for a story spell.
Able to make an amazing mixed tag team with her real life fiancé Kam Hendrix, the duo have been fun to watch in NXT house show action.
Not having wrestled previously when she appeared in NXT as Sofia Cromwell — Dupri could make a big impact even in a short amount of time.
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6. Erik & Ivar
A duo that could end up contributing in a big way to the rebuilding NXT Tag Team division could be Erik & Ivar.
Somewhat lost on the stacked WWE Raw and SmackDown tag divisions, the pair could utilize an opportunity to show off their hard hitting and surprisingly agile in-ring style.
Bringing their own personalities into the characters to expand their gimmick even more, a return to the main roster after could be even more dynamic.
Potentially leading to crossovers with TNA Wrestling tag teams as well like the Nemeth Brothers or the Hardys (Matt & Jeff Hardy), the War Raiders could become even more popular with fans in 2026.
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5. Seth Rollins
Perhaps a provocative choice, the return of the Visionary to WWE TV could easily come by way of an integration on NXT.
Bringing a ton of attention to the brand in the lead-up to an important event, Rollins could certainly make his mission clear.
Appearing in NXT to scout his next recruits for the main roster, it might make for a unique and as yet untapped way to tell a longform story in WWE.
With fans who watch across WWE shows could see the formation of a new faction coming, the eventual reveal could possibly come to a shock to main roster only audiences — making for a memorable experience for all.
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4. Santos Escobar
While WWE fans may know him by the Santos Escobar moniker, the former Legado Del Fantasma leader has had several characters before landing in WWE.
Potentially looking to pop-up in NXT and throwback to his Lucha Underground persona of King Cuerno, there is also his past CMLL and AAA character, El Hijo del Fantasma.
With Escobar reportedly re-signing a new contract with WWE shortly after his previous one expired, he has yet to return to TV.
While previous chatter noted that he may be leaving SmackDown and showing back up with a different character, perhaps he will launch on NXT in 2026.
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3. Nikki Cross
With the Wyatt Sicks seemingly on a perpetual hunt for some of the worst family members in WWE to target after they commit betrayals — the NXT faction The Culling certainly fits the bill.
After Izzi Dame cast out both Brooks Jensen and later Tatum Paxley after costing the latter her NXT Women’s World Championship — Dame certainly could draw the ire of Nikki Cross and the Wyatt Sicks.
Able to have not only mixed tag matches with Niko Vance and Shawn Spears, the heart of the feud could be between the two women.
In the end the move could possibly lead to a change or heart for Izzi or potentially even more intriguing — Tatum Paxley joining the Wyatt Sicks.
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2. Randy Orton
While it sounds a bit unlikely, Randy Orton has made impactful appearances on NXT in the past.
Helping to launch the brand upon their move to The CW, Orton appeared on NXT and wrestled in a notable bout against Je’Von Evans on the brand in Orton’s hometown of St. Louis.
Potentially popping back up in NXT again for a short stay, it could be a lot of fun to see some sage wisdom delivered from Randy Orton on the back of the cast having recently been visited by John Cena.
Able to bring his own unique take on veteran knowledge, Orton could end up becoming a guiding force for some of the brightest NXT talent making a segue to the main roster.
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1. Bayley
While she continues to be a utility player on the main roster, there could be an even more interesting role ahead of Bayley.
Certainly showing a commitment to being a selfless performer, Bayley could become an amazing catalyst for talent on NXT.
Bringing a top star to NXT for even a short-term storyline has proven successful in the past, something that Bayley could bring a brand new spin to.
Potentially using NXT to launch her own new character iteration, Bayley could go looking for her own squad of minions in NXT to follow her back to the main roster.
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