NXT Superstars Who Could Shine in 2026 After WrestleMania Call-Ups
On the April 20th episode of Monday Night Raw, the episode of Raw after WrestleMania XLII, it was confirmed that NXT superstars ‘All Ego Ethan Page, Sol Ruca, and Joe Hendry have all been called up to the main roster. With the first SmackDown after WrestleMania XLII on Friday, it’s very possible we could see a few more call-ups to the main roster happen. With three big confirmed names now making waves on Raw, this creates a void in NXT. With more than half of 2026 still to come, that means young NXT superstars need to shine and fill that empty vacuum left behind. Who has the potential to grow into a bigger star? Which one of these young NXT stars could be on their way to eventually holding gold? Here are a few possible superstars that could grow into household names by the end of 2026.
Keanu Carver
Since the moment he arrived in NXT, Keanu Carver has been an absolute threat to the entire roster. Carver has feuded and defeated the likes of Hendry and Jasper Troy. As of the April 21st episode of NXT, he has gone face-to-face with NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo, with the looks of these two feuding for the title very soon. If we’re going to talk about anyone who could dethrone D’Angelo, it could very well be Carver, who’s looked and acted like a monster among men. His size, strength, speed, attitude, and brutality have stood out since arriving in NXT. He could continue to wreck NXT superstars on his way to the top of the mountain.
The Vanity Project
One of NXT’s newest stables, The Vanity Project, consisting of Jackson Drake, Ricky Smokes, and Brad Baylor, has shown their potential, skill, talent, and charisma since signing to NXT. Smokes and Baylor defeated NXT’s most threatening stables in DarkState to become the NXT Tag Team Champions. They’ve held the titles for more than 50 days thus far, and could have the potential to hold the championships for most of 2026. They have consistently received screen time, being paired with Blake Monroe as of late. However, NXT is starting to show another storyline between Drake and one of NXT's newest signings, Myka Lockwood. This is a group that could all hold gold at the same time within their tenure in NXT. Also, Smokes and Baylor could also be multi-time tag champs, granted they stay in NXT for the foreseeable future.
Jaida Parker
While Jaida Parker has already made a name for herself, she has yet to hold gold since arriving in NXT. With Ruca gone and the possibility of perhaps Monroe or even Jacy Jayne moving up, this gives ‘Ms. Parker’ the chance to enter championship feuds. While both women’s champions are currently babyfaces, feuds with either one, in addition to facing some of NXT’s best women heels, could elevate Parker to a new stratosphere. Her feud with Kelani Jordan showcased two young, talented women who are willing to do anything it takes to rise in the industry. Parker may be a bigger household name and even have gold around her waist by the end of 2026.
Kali Armstrong
On the April 14th episode of NXT, former Evolve Women’s Champion Kali Armstrong made her NXT debut by defeating Skylar Raye. Within her first week on the brand, Armstrong stared down NXT Women’s Champion Lola Vice. She certainly impressed the NXT Universe in her debut, and if she continues to do so, her rise could very well be historic. While Armstrong may not win a title this quickly in her NXT career, she will grow her name within NXT’s flooded Women’s Division and rise as one of the top superstars.
