Recent reports have indicated that AJ Styles could replace Shawn Michaels as head of creative for WWE NXT when he moves up to the main roster to take over the role currently held by Bruce Prichard.
“The Phenomenal One” has worked closely with the developmental brand since retiring from in-ring competition.
Considering Styles’ current work with the brand in recent months, it seems clear who might be positioned as top stars when he finally has control of things on NXT.
Here are five WWE NXT stars to be potentially pushed by AJ Styles.
Kendal Grey
Kendal Grey has been one of the standout performers on the WWE NXT brand for over a year now.
First making a name for herself on Evolve, Grey moved on to NXT to instant success becoming the Iron Survivor and later winning the NXT Women’s Championship.
Since AJ Styles started working with the brand, he has produced some of Grey’s matches and had glowing reviews of the former amateur wrestler’s work.
If Styles takes over the creative on NXT, it seems certain that Kendal Grey will have a prominent role in the women’s division for the foreseeable future.
Zilla Fatu
Another WWE NXT star who has worked closely with AJ Styles as of late is Zilla Fatu.
The Anoa’i family member came into WWE with plenty of buzz and potential based on his cousins in The Bloodline.
Since his arrival on NXT, Fatu has become one of the brand’s most popular stars today.
With his future intact, it would make sense if Styles positions Zilla as a top star on the NXT brand until he is ready for the main roster move.
EK Prosper
Starting out as a WWE ID signee, EK Prosper has been taking NXT by storm in recent months.
A graduate of Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling academy, Prosper has showcased his stunning athleticism, agility and in-ring prowess on Evolve as well as NXT.
Recently, Prosper had a breakout performance when he challenged Grayson Waller for the NXT Championship.
Following this bout, it feels like Prosper will be a major star for WWE NXT and could elevate even further when AJ Styles takes control of the creative side of things.
Vanity Project (Jackson Drake, Brad Baylor, Ricky Smokes & Myka Lockwood)
In 2026, The Vanity Project has become one of the most featured acts in all of WWE NXT.
Coming in as WWE ID talents, Jackson Drake, Brad Baylor and Ricky Smokes developed a bond on Evolve that created their own faction together.
Gaining success on both Evolve and NXT, Drake was the first ever Evolve Men’s Champion and the current NXT North American Champion, while Baylor and Smokes are the current and two-time NXT Tag Team Champions.
With the addition of Myka Lockwood, The Vanity Project feel like a ready made main roster act, but they should be positioned near the top of NXT until they make that jump.
Cruz Montana
When he signed with WWE, it seemed like destiny for Cruz Montana to become a main event star on NXT.
Having made several appearances while under a TNA Wrestling contract, the NXT fans had already gone accustomed to what Montana had to offer.
During his time with TNA, Montana had developed a mentor-mentee relationship with AJ Styles.
Considering their similar journeys in pro wrestling, it would make sense if Styles sees himself in Montana and wants to make him NXT Champion when he takes over the brand.
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