In recent weeks, two of NXT’s top female stars have been transitioned to the WWE main roster – with Roxanne Perez joining Raw and Giulia transitioning to SmackDown.
At the other end, May saw several talent releases from NXT’s roster, including notable names like Cora Jade, Gigi Dolin, and Jakara Jackson.
This constant cycle of call-ups and cuts defines the nature of WWE’s developmental system.
Here are eight stars from outside WWE who could be next to sign with NXT.
8. Mike Santana
Last year, Mike Santana left AEW and bet on himself, returning to TNA where he has since become one of its top and most over stars.
At NXT Battleground, on May 25, he declared his intention to face the winner of the TNA World Title match between Trick Williams and Joe Hendry.
With Williams defeating Hendry in the show’s main event, it’s clear Santana is the man chosen to defend TNA’s honor and win the title back.
Betting on himself seems to have paid off, as WWE clearly has its eye on the hardworking performer and a full-time run in NXT now feels like a distinct possibility.
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7. Mariah May
Speculation continues to mount over the future of former AEW Women’s World Champion Mariah May.
Her absence from AEW programming since March, combined with her contract expiring this summer and cryptic social media hints, has pointed toward a move to WWE.
However, recent social media posts from May referencing Toni Storm and Mina Shirakawa – and claiming she’s simply been on “vacation” – have sparked talk of an AEW return.
That itself could be a swerve, and it’s increasingly likely we’ll see May in a WWE ring soon – possibly with a short stint in NXT first.
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6. Mike D Vecchio
It was recently reported by Cultaholic that 28-year-old Mike D Vecchio is set to sign with WWE.
The muscular Belgian has just completed two tours with All Japan Pro Wrestling, including a standout run in the prestigious Champion Carnival tournament.
Known for his explosive, hard-hitting style, Vecchio has been turning heads both in Japan and across the European indie scene with his no-nonsense, tough-guy energy.
With a WWE contract seemingly imminent, the big question is whether he’ll debut in NXT Orlando – or become part of the long-rumored NXT Europe.
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5. Man Like DeReiss
28-year-old British performer Man Like DeReiss impressed during WrestleMania week with standout bouts across several independent shows — including an outstanding match at ASÉ against his tag team partner on the indies, TNA star Leon Slater.
At the start of May, he won Progress Wrestling’s Super Strong Style 16 – the most prestigious tournament in UK independent wrestling – defeating Slater in a masterclass in in-ring storytelling.
DeReiss exudes star charisma, with a larger-than-life presence, rapping his way to the ring – he consistently connects with audiences across both UK and US independents.
With his unique persona, storytelling ability, and rapidly improving in-ring work, he’s someone WWE should be watching closely – and a likely candidate for NXT in the near future.
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4. Zozaya
Spain hasn’t traditionally produced many high-profile professional wrestlers in the modern era, but Axiom’s recent success in WWE has begun to change that perception.
Now, WWE reportedly has its eye on 22-year-old Spanish indie star Zozaya.
Zozaya has become one of Europe’s standout talents, blending hybrid mat-based grappling with high-flying offence – last year he delivered one of the most widely-celebrated matches in the UK, a 60-minute Iron Man match against Leon Slater at RevPro Uprising.
As with Mike D Vecchio, the big question is whether Zozaya will debut in NXT stateside or join the long-rumoured NXT Europe.
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3. Masha Slamovich
While yet to wrestle a match, current TNA Knockouts Champion Masha Slamovich isn’t entirely unfamiliar to the NXT audience, having appeared on the March 4 edition of the show.
At just 26, she’s one of pro wrestling’s hardest-working performers – not only reigning in TNA but also cutting a tireless schedule across the US and European indie scenes.
Her intensity and rugged in-ring style set her apart from her North American contemporaries and distinguishes her from WWE’s current women’s roster.
With WWE announcing the return of its all-women’s PLE Evolution on July 13, there’s surely a place for the Knockouts Champion — ahead of what feels like an inevitable full-time signing.
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2. Sean Legacy
Sean Legacy made his second consecutive appearance on WWE NXT on May 20, standing out in a critically acclaimed match with Je’Von Evans and Ashante Adonis.
In the bout, he demonstrated superlative in-ring skills – he is a polished performer, who is clearly ready for television.
The 29-year-old is currently a WWE ID Prospect, not a contracted NXT talent, meaning he remains theoretically open to offers from other companies.
With his profile rising, WWE would be right to act fast and offer him a full-time NXT deal before the competition secures his signature.
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1. Leon Slater
2025 is proving to be a breakout year for 20-year-old British star Leon Slater.
After primarily working undercard and PPV pre-show bouts since signing with TNA in October 2023, his alliance with the Hardy Boyz has rapidly elevated his profile since the beginning of the year.
At the recent TNA+ special, Under Siege, Slater stepped in for Jeff Hardy to team with Matt in the semi-main event, challenging The Nemeths for the TNA Tag Team Titles — and stood out as the match’s top performer.
A prestigious young talent, and with the continuing WWE–TNA partnership, it clearly won’t be long before he appears on NXT ahead of a full-time WWE deal.
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