KM Punk's Pipe Bombs: Don’t Sleep on NXT, They’re the Future
Don’t Sleep on NXT, they’re the Future
When it comes to building a dominant faction, Mondays and Fridays may control the present—but if you’re not paying attention to Tuesdays, you’re already falling behind. Each week, WWE NXT broadcasts live from the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, offering a glimpse into the next generation of stars who are poised to shape the future of the industry.
For fantasy players and diehard fans alike, NXT isn’t just developmental—it’s a scouting ground. The talent featured here isn’t a matter of “if” they’ll make it to the main roster—it’s “when,” and more importantly, how big of an impact they’ll make when they get there. Identifying these rising stars early can be the difference between staying competitive and dominating your league year after year.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most promising names in NXT today.
If there’s one superstar who embodies the phrase “must-watch,” it’s Sol Ruca. Arguably one of the most naturally athletic performers in recent memory, Ruca combines agility, creativity, and charisma in a way that feels completely unique. Her finishing move, the Sol Snatcher, has already gained a reputation as one of the most jaw-dropping moves in wrestling today. With her upside, it’s hard not to see her as a future champion the moment she steps onto the main roster.
Say his name, and he appears. Joe Hendry has quickly become one of the most entertaining champions in NXT. As the current NXT Men’s Champion, Hendry blends humor, confidence, and in-ring ability into a complete package. Already sharing a WrestleMania moment with Randy Orton, Hendry has proven he can hang on the biggest stage. That appearance feels less like a one-off and more like a preview of what’s to come.
Few can command a microphone quite like Ethan Page. A former NXT and North American Champion, Page thrives in character work and storytelling. His ability to generate heat makes him one of the most valuable future heels in the business. When he eventually lands on the main roster full-time, expect him to become a centerpiece antagonist almost immediately.
Already an established name outside of NXT, Blake Monroe brings a polished, complete presence to the roster. Known as “The Glamorous One,” Monroe has all the tools—look, in-ring ability, and promo skills—to succeed at the highest level. With her sights set on reclaiming championship gold, her transition to the main roster feels inevitable and potentially explosive.
There’s something special about Ricky Saints. Whether playing to the crowd as a fan favorite or leaning into his edge as a heel, Saints delivers compelling television every time he appears. While his babyface run showed promise, it’s his heel work that truly elevates him. As his NXT tenure winds down, don’t be surprised if he debuts on the main roster and quickly captures mid-card gold.
As a two time NXT Women’s Champion, Jacy Jayne has already proven she can carry a division. As the leader of Fatal Influence, she’s developed both confidence and presence, rounding out her in-ring ability with strong character work. She feels more than ready for the next step—and when she gets there, she won’t just blend in, she’ll stand out.
With a background in mixed martial arts, Lola Vice brings a legitimacy that’s hard to teach. Her intensity and striking ability give her a different feel from many of her peers, and that uniqueness will serve her well on the main roster. As the newly crowned NXT Women’s Champion, Vice has all the tools to translate that success to a bigger stage.
Athleticism is the foundation of Kelani Jordan’s game, and it shows every time she steps into the ring. Her performances in high-profile matches, including appearances in Royal Rumble events, have drawn comparisons to a young Kofi Kingston—particularly in her creativity and ability to shine in chaotic environments. With natural chemistry alongside her future husband, Carmelo Hayes, a future pairing on WWE SmackDown feels like a logical next step.
Few stars on the mic can match the presence of Jaida Parker. Confident, engaging, and sharp, Parker already carries herself like a star. While she may still be developing in certain areas, her trajectory is clear. Give her time, and she has all the makings of a dominant force on the main roster.
Every roster needs a grinder, and Myles Borne fits that role perfectly. As the current North American Champion, Borne represents perseverance and steady growth. While he may not yet be the most polished name on this list, his potential is undeniable. With continued development, comparisons to established stars like Randy Orton don’t feel out of reach.