With Robert Stone appointed as the new interim GM of NXT, it would seem that Shawn Michaels may have another permanent appointment on his mind.
From veteran stars that could make their return on the brand to others that could use a fresh start in a new role, there are several intriguing choices.
Here are six potential permanent WWE NXT General Managers after the recent departure of Ava.
6. Chris Jericho
One major name that could step into a permanent NXT GM role could be an unlikely return to Developmental — Chris Jericho.
With theories persisting that Chris Jericho could be making a return, he has yet to appear. However, if he were to return to WWE action first on the very Sports Entertainment oriented NXT — he may be the perfect fit.
Rather than heading to WWE Raw or SmackDown, Jericho could instead appear as the new GM of NXT, leading to his appearances across both the NXT and TNA Wrestling brands.
Able to bring increased attention to the shows, Jericho could end up making a huge impact across multiple brands before ever appearing on the main roster.
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5. Arianna Grace
With the on-screen rivalry between TNA Wrestling and WWE NXT seemingly with no specific end in sight, both brands have the opportunity to do something major.
Swapping out Ava for Arianna Grace in NXT, there could be limitless fun crossover moments between the father-daughter duo with Grace’s her real life father and TNA Wrestling Director of Authority, Santino Marella.
Providing for a fun running storyline between the two companies, the pairing would be a fun spin on a traditional view of competition between GMs, with a foundation that has already been laid.
With Grace having betrayed Santino in favor of her fiancée Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo, there could be a ton of over the top drama between the group to make the perfect wacky NXT storyline.
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4. William Regal
While William Regal has returned to WWE after his time in AEW where he appeared as an on-screen character – he has primarily remained behind the scenes.
However, with Regal having the capacity to be one of the most compelling storytellers in the industry, it would make complete sense to see him back on NXT TV in the future.
With Regal being one of the most emotionally evocative and compelling storytellers in the industry – being back in front of the camera in WWE would be amazing.
With plenty of interesting stories left for him to tell, particularly as it relates to his real life son Charlie Dempsey, there could be some very important moments still ahead for the legend.
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3. Big E
One WWE name that could pick up the task of controlling the chaos on NXT after the departure of Ava could be Big E.
While his enthusiasm and expertise delighting fans on WWE PLE broadcasts and beyond, there is definitely a case to be made to see more of Big E on TV.
Able to become a unique type of GM, there is every possibility that the former WWE Champion could put his own spin on the role as he serves as a voice of the audience on-screen.
Bringing his solid character work as well as natural candor to NXT TV, Big E could be an amazing addition to the brand.
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2. Paige
While an in-ring return for former WWE Divas Champion Paige could still be coming, perhaps she might pop-up as an authority figure instead.
Formerly a SmackDown GM on-screen, Paige could absolutely make a return to NXT in the same role as she steps in as a permanent new NXT GM to take over from interim GM, Robert Stone.
Able to engage in a hilarious rivalry with Stone ahead of her eventual appointment as permanent GM, the first ever NXT Women’s Champion, Paige definitely has history in the brand.
Able to control the chaos as a veteran of the industry, Paige could use her powers of persuasion for good — or evil, becoming an incredible new force since WWE has been devoid of an outright heel authority figure for quite some time.
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1. Billy Gunn
One potentially legendary addition to WWE NXT as the next GM could certainly be worth the potential wait — Billy Gunn.
Having been a great bolster to younger talent in AEW, Gunn could bring his immediate recognition as well as enthusiasm straight to NXT TV.
With Shawn Michaels the man in charge of NXT behind the scenes – a blast from the past pairing with fellow DX alum Billy Gunn would bring about a lot of potential funny moments.
However, it seems as though Gunn remains under contract with AEW. Despite a long period of absence on TV, he did make a return to action in a dark match as well as a bout on Collision in January 2026 suggesting perhaps his time with the company isn’t yet over.
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