After a weekend full of speculation and hype, WWE fans were expecting to see a new generation of NXT stars officially join the main roster. But thats not the caseat least not yet.
On Tuesday, Bryan Alvarez shut down the rumors in a subscriber update on X. While the internet was convinced that WWE had pulled the trigger on calling up five NXT standouts, Alvarez made it clear thats not whats happening behind the scenes.
That includes Oba Femi, Sol Ruca, JeVon Evans, Leon Slater, and Joe Hendryall of whom were featured heavily during Saturday Nights Main Event, the same show where John Cena wrestled the final match of his career.
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE was very happy with how the five performed in front of the Washington, D.C. crowd. He reported that the company viewed the event as a live stress test to see how they handled the spotlight and believed this group passed with flying colors.
Meltzer said WWE treated their showcase like a soft launch and even theorized that JeVon Evans loss on NXT just days earlier was done to clear the way for his move to RAW or SmackDown.
He added that WWE officials viewed Oba Femi, Sol Ruca, Evans, Slater, and Hendry as real stars, not just developmental prospects being tried out for the sake of buzz. Their short matches and backstage segments were seen as big opportunities, and they reportedly got the reactions WWE was hoping forespecially Oba Femi and the Evans-Slater tag match.
Meltzer also noted that while Sol Ruca might have a longer road ahead compared to the others, her unique look and high-level athleticism give her a legitimate shot at breaking out once she gets a consistent spotlight.
Still, none of this means anything officially. No contracts have changed, and no new names have been moved updespite how it looked on TV. WWE may be laying the groundwork for a major new class of stars, but for now, theyre still exactly where theyve been: NXT.
Do you think WWE is waiting too long to call these stars up? Or is the company right to take its time? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know who you think is truly ready.
