With no formal WWE Draft in 2025, it seems that 2026 could be poised to see several NXT talent officially called up to Raw or SmackDown.
From those that have already been incorporated into main roster storylines, to others that have had previous exposure in other companies — there could be some intriguing call-ups to the WWE main roster in the coming year.
Here are eight WWE NXT stars that should be called up in 2026.
8. Je’Von Evans
A star that has already been making his mark in WWE on the main roster is Je’Von Evans.
Making repeat appearances as of late on the WWE main roster, it seems like “The Young OG” is main roster bound in 2026, with WWE themselves confirming that he will soon be a “free agent”.
Whether or not the move comes early in the year may depend on if Evans challenges for the NXT Championship once again, but in the end the North Carolina native has more than proven his worth on a bigger stage.
Certainly able to be incorporated into either WWE Raw or SmackDown, Je’Von Evans could be an amazing new addition to the main roster in 2026.
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7. Trick Williams
One NXT star that has already made a big appearance on the main roster in the past week is Trick Williams.
Showing up in Nick Aldis’ office to and showing no fear when coming face-to-face with Cody Rhodes, Trick Williams displayed the energy of a main event level talent and didn’t look put of place when staring down “The American Nightmare”.
Reportedly already considered a main roster talent despite not yet landing on a specific brand, Williams could forge his own path or potentially reunite with another fan favorite star.
With his partnership with Carmelo Hayes remaining popular — evidenced by their recent raucous reception at NXT Homecoming — it could be that the duo link up on the main roster in 2026 as foes or allies.
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6. Kelani Jordan
A female star from NXT that has stood out above the rest in 2025 was Kelani Jordan.
Taking on the task of becoming TNA Knockouts Champion, Jordan went on to not only demonstrate herself to be successful champion but also take on a shift in character.
Turning heel again towards the end of 2025, Jordan has come into her own as she seems unafraid to become a more aggressive and tenacious version of herself.
Being an amazing addition to either the WWE Raw or SmackDown women’s rosters, Jordan could become a major player in 2026.
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5. Ricky Saints
While he has already seen the top of the mountain in NXT, perhaps 2026 is poised to hold even greater things for Ricky Saints.
Easily able to join either WWE Raw or SmackDown as a brand new character, the former NXT Champion could become a main event level star very fast.
With charisma that can be channeled into being a top babyface or heel, there are many possibilities for the “Absolute” superstar on either the red or blue brand.
Whether it be joining up with Paul Heyman’s The Vision on Raw, or arriving as a foil for real-life friend Cody Rhodes on SmackDown – 2026 should be an exciting year for Saints.
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4. Blake Monroe
While a lot has been made of Blake Monroe’s recent NXT Women’s North American Title loss to Thea Hail – it could potentially lead to some unexpected opportunities for “The Glamour”.
Paving the way for Monroe to be sent off to the main roster after her rematch with Hail at NXT New Year’s Evil, the duo could even have a “Loser Leaves NXT” stipulation added to the match in order to facilitate Monroe’s abrupt NXT exit.
Certainly poised to thrive on the main roster, Monroe may be poised to link up with an intriguing character as her newest recruit.
Potentially debuting as the newest client of Kiana James on SmackDown, the duo could go on to have an amazing run together before of course, collapsing into betrayal.
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3. Oba Femi
Oba Femi has already made a stunning impact in his limited time on the main roster, with “The Ruler” looking like a bonafide mega star in the making during his short feud with Cody Rhodes ahead of Saturday Night’s Main Event.
Given this strong impression, it seems likely that Femi will not only be a main roster star in 2026, but also a main event level talent before long.
Unafraid to step up to either Cody Rhodes or Drew McIntyre in his appearances, Oba Femi could easily find himself involved in big feuds before long.
The seeds have already been planted for Femi to arrive on SmackDown and mix it up in the main event, so expect that to happen within the first half of 2026.
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2. Jordynne Grace
Displaying her abilities as both a main event star as well as reliable character in the mid card, Jordynne Grace could be an amazing addition to the main roster in 2026.
After already making two notable appearances in the Royal Rumble matches in both 2024 and 2025, Grace could easily find herself fully called up to the main roster after entering the 2026 match.
Sticking around to join the main roster, it would make total sense to see Grace with a brand new feud ahead of WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
Possibly looking to challenge Chelsea Green for the Women’s United States Championship at the big event, there are paths forward for Grace on the main roster in 2026.
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1. Lola Vice
In what could be considered a different kind of main roster call-up, Lola Vice could break new ground for WWE if they hold a 2026 Draft.
If next year’s draft included AAA as well as WWE Raw, SmackDown and NXT — Lola Vice being picked to join AAA would make complete sense.
Already impressing in AAA, Vice could continue her engaging tag team with Mr. Iguana or forge her own path in singles success.
Able to immediately challenge the AAA Reina de Reinas Champion Lady Flammer, it may be Vice who ends her over 850 day title reign.
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