The Prodigy and the next Brock Lesnar? 8 WWE stars that prove the future of the company is in good hands
WWE is always in a constant state of flux regarding its roster of stars. NXT wrestlers are usually promoted or drafted to RAW and SmackDown, while main-roster performers often return to NXT for a reboot or special occasions.
The current roster is filled with perennial main-eventers like Cody Rhodes, Seth Rollins, Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Randy Orton, and Roman Reigns. However, some of those stars are closer to the end of their careers.
Since the system of the Stamford-based promotion is set up for the roster to be constantly replenished, a new crop of stars will likely carry the company into the next five years.
The next eight WWE Superstars prove that the global juggernaut is in good shape for the future. (While he's currently the top heel on SmackDown, Solo Sikoa isn't included in this list. Most of his work on the main roster has been as part of a group and fans haven't seen what he can do alone yet).
#8. Ilja Dragunov & #7. Carmelo Hayes are former NXT Champions
Carmelo Hayes and Ilja Dragunov were both selections in the 2024 WWE Draft. Hayes joined SmackDown while Dragunov became a RAW superstar. Both men held the NXT Championship during their time on the developmental brand.
Hayes stepped up to the top star of WWE, Cody Rhodes, on his first official night as a member of SmackDown. He held his own and is clearly a player for the future.
The Mad Dragon is closer to the likes of Sheamus, Gunther, and Drew McIntyre in that he's an extremely physical star from overseas. WWE has representation from several countries, keeping a strong international presence for the future.
#6. Oba Femi has only wrestled for a few years
Current North American Champion, Oba Femi has to be the biggest success story of WWE's NIL program. He's an extremely imposing star who quickly won the title only a few short years after getting his feet wet in pro wrestling.
As champion, Femi has routinely stolen the show on NXT premium live events. He's battled stars of similar size in Josh Briggs, Dijak, and Joe Coffey. Recently, he defeated the much smaller Wes Lee in another great match.
Femi has drawn comparisons to Brock Lesnar due to his physicality and ability to adapt to opponents of all sizes. The fact that he's taken to the sport so quickly is even more impressive.
#5. Lyra Valkyria and #4. Tiffany Stratton joined the main roster in 2024
Lyra Valkyria and Tiffany Stratton took different paths to get to WWE. Valkyria is a veteran of the European independent scene and was inspired by fellow Irishwoman, Becky Lynch. She's transitioned seamlessly to the main roster and has impressed casual fans.
Stratton has had more of an immediate impact due to her outlandish character and acrobatic style. While many of the current women in NXT are also acrobats, Stratton blends strength more than the likes of Sol Ruca, Kelani Jordan, Brinley Reece, and others.
Both women offer something different to the division and are future champions. Stratton may have the luxury of that achievement sooner than later after winning the MITB contract this year.
#3. Roxanne Perez has done a lot in a short WWE career
![Roxanne Perez is the current NXT Women's Champion. [Image Credits: wwe.com]](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/07/bbbdd-17209040571060-1920.jpg?w=500)
Like Valkyria, Roxanne Perez has wrestled for most of her adult life. She grew up a fan and started training while still in high school. She may be smaller, but that hasn't stopped stars like Sasha Banks, IYO SKY, and Liv Morgan from winning gold in WWE.
Despite her young age, Perez has more experience than some women older than her, earning her the "Prodigy" nickname. She's been one of the best in-ring performers since joining NXT and has already competed in two Royal Rumble matches.
The NIL program can help WWE mold future stars but the promotion must continue to sign independent stars like Perez. Someone must carry the matches with the new recruits, and The Prodigy has already done that as a two-time NXT Women's Champion.
#2. Austin Theory is still only 26 years old
The main difference between Austin Theory and others on this list is that Theory has been a main roster star for three years. He's portrayed an arrogant and brash young star who believes he is better than everyone.
It's led him to win the United States Championship, the WWE Tag Team Championship, and Money in the Bank. Theory is reminiscent of a young John Cena and fans are familiar with what Cena did in his career.
The former US Champion could be turning face for the first time in his main-roster run. If booked correctly, the turn could provide the company with another top face for the next several years.
#1. Bron Breakker has already challenged for the Intercontinental Championship
It was clear from the beginning of NXT 2.0 that Bron Breakker was going to be the brand's top star. He squashed LA Knight in his first match and never looked back. He won the NXT Championship twice and has already battled Seth Rollins and Sami Zayn.
Being a second-generation star has helped as he shares many of the same traits as his father, Rick Steiner, and uncle, Scott Steiner. That DNA has made Breakker one of the most exciting new young stars to join the main roster in years.
His explosive nature and athletic move set shows that he could be the next Brock Lesnar or Roman Reigns. Those two stars carried the company in the past and Breakker will do so well into the future.