CM Punk has been actively working with WWE’s NXT roster, spending time at the WWE Performance Center where he collaborates with emerging talent. The World Heavyweight Champion has expressed that these experiences are both humbling and emotional for him. During a guest appearance on the No-Contest Wrestling Podcast, Punk highlighted several NXT competitors he believes are poised for success on WWE’s main roster.
Notable NXT Wrestlers Who Could Become Major WWE Stars
When asked to select six individuals from NXT who stand out as future highlights of WWE, CM Punk named both recent call-ups and those still developing within the NXT system. Among his picks were newer main roster entrants Oba Femi, Je’Von Evans, and Trick Williams, as well as Carmelo Hayes, who had been called up earlier. Besides these, he also praised Sol Ruca, Kelani Jordan, Jacy Jayne, Ricky Saints, and Ethan Page for their potential.
“I think you’re seeing it unfold live on television. I think the call-ups have been handled pretty well. One of the first was — well, you mentioned three of them [Oba Femi, Je’Von Evans, Trick Williams]. I think if you look at the landscape of things and people who have been called up to the main roster, those are maybe top three. But somebody who snuck in before them is Carmelo Hayes. And those are — right there, those are four black athletes. I think that’s important to point that out. I think those guys are the future. I think those guys are special.”
?CM Punk, World Heavyweight Champion
“I think Sol Ruca… and you saw in the Rumble, Kelani was in the Rumble. She’s amazing. Jacy? Amazing. I think these are all people that are going to wind up paving the way and carrying the torch really. NXT is stacked. It really is like. Ricky Saints is another one… I think Ethan Page is another guy that’s in NXT.”
?CM Punk, World Heavyweight Champion
What Sets These NXT Performers Apart
Punk emphasized that the talents he named have demonstrated intelligence and a willingness to use all the resources available in NXT’s training environment. Their growth reflects their dedication to mastering their craft, a factor that markedly improves their readiness for the main roster.
“These are people that are smart enough to utilize all the tools given to them inside the program in NXT, and they’ve all gotten better for it. Love it, love it to death.”
?CM Punk, World Heavyweight Champion
Implications for WWE’s Upcoming Talent Landscape
By spotlighting these athletes, CM Punk underlines WWE’s commitment to cultivating a diverse and capable group of performers ready to take on prominent roles. Their eventual rise is expected to influence WWE’s future storylines and audience engagement, suggesting a promising evolution as NXT continues to serve as a vital pipeline feeding talent to the main roster. Fans can anticipate seeing these names gain greater prominence in WWE programming soon.
