Over the past 12 months, there has been a quiet transition in WWE NXT, as the work rate has noticeably improved.
The emphasis on showcasing novice wrestlers has seemingly taken a backseat to more experienced international and independent talent.
The following are potential signings that could further support this creative decision.
6. Leon Slater
At just 20, British high-flyer Leon Slater is improbably a nine-year veteran, having debuted at the mind-blowing age of 11 on small-scale indies in his native Yorkshire.
Tearing up the UK and US independent scenes, Slater signed with TNA in October 2023, initially eating pinfalls on the undercard and PPV pre-shows.
Since the beginning of the year, however, he has been paired with The Hardys – a natural fit, given his mind-blowing Swanton 450 finisher.
His affiliation with the legendary team and their own recent appearances on NXT television could pave the way for Slater to bring his prodigious skills to the promotion.
5. Marcus Mathers
22-year-old Marcus Mathers is one of pro-wrestling’s most exciting up-and-coming talents.
Winning the IWTV Independent Wrestling World Championship on December 31, 2024, he has consistently delivered thrilling matches across the North American indies.
It was no surprise, then, when WWE announced its ID program for independent wrestlers that he was one of the first signed to an ID contract.
In the post-WrestleMania season, it would not be a surprise to see the high-flying prospect appearing on NXT television, signed to a full contract.
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4. Masha Slamovich
Current TNA Knockouts Champion Masha Slamovich is not unfamiliar to NXT’s audience, appearing on the show on March 4 “scouting” Cora Jade.
The pair met in a TNA ring at Sacrifice on March 15th, where Slamovich demonstrated her uniquely aggressive in-ring style while defending her championship.
Both in TNA’s Knockout division and working extensively across the US and European indies, Slamovich is one of pro-wrestling’s most intense and exciting female performers.
With a Knockouts Title match upcoming at TNA’s Rebellion PPV on April 27 against Tessa Blanchard, it could soon be time to move on for the Russian-born star.
3. Jeff Cobb
On April 14, New Japan Pro-Wrestling announced that it had “come to terms with the departure of Jeff Cobb at his request”.
Cobb, who had been with the number one Japanese promotion since 2018, has vacated the IWGP Tag Team Titles, which he only won last Friday with partner Callum Newman.
Rumors have been swirling for weeks that Cobb was about to join WWE, with his name reportedly appearing on the company’s internal roster.
Could the 42-year-old former Olympian make his presence felt at this weekend’s Stand and Deliver PLE?
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2. El Hijo del Vikingo
In March 2023, on Dynamite, AEW promoted a ‘Dream Match’ between Kenny Omega and then AAA Mega Champion, luchador El Hijo del Vikingo.
Living up to its billing, it was widely celebrated, hailed as one of the most spectacular television matches of all time.
Widely predicted to become a huge star, the past two years have been difficult for the thrilling luchador, following a slew of injuries and a deemphasis in his home promotion.
A full-time move to America could rejuvenate the 27-year-old’s career, allowing him to dazzle a new audience with his breath-taking high-flying arsenal.
1. Sareee
Hard-hitting Japanese joshi star Sareee might be the best wrestler in the world today. This marks quite a turnaround.
Arriving in WWE’s NXT with significant fanfare in 2020, she was given an uninspiring gimmick and languished in developmental before being released in 2023.
Returning to her native Japan, she delivered outstanding, top-tier matches across all major joshi companies and promoted her own critically acclaimed Sareee-ism shows.
After recently holding the top championship in WWE-affiliated promotion Marigold, she has a natural path back to NXT.
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