As SummerSlam approaches, WWE fans anticipate new talent from NXT stepping onto the main roster, continuing the ongoing trend of wrestlers debuting throughout the year. The focus on NXT stars joining WWE after SummerSlam highlights a likely influx of fresh competitors to both RAW and SmackDown.
Earlier this year, the women’s division gained strength when Roxanne Perez, Giulia, and Stephanie Vaquer advanced to the main shows around WrestleMania, with Perez setting a notable record in the Women’s Royal Rumble and competing in the Elimination Chamber. However, the men’s division has yet to see a similar boost, aside from Fraxiom’s promotion. This shifting landscape suggests several male NXT wrestlers are positioned for elevation after the summer event.
End of the D’Angelo Family Marks New Chapter for Tony D’Angelo
Recent storylines have seen the disbanding of the D’Angelo Family, with Stacks Lorenzo betraying Tony D’Angelo, creating tension among Luca Crusafino and Adrianna Rizzo. Tony D’Angelo’s victories over his former allies indicated the group’s conclusion in NXT. A cliffhanger moment showed D’Angelo dining alone before a shadow cast over him, hinting at new developments.
As the last remaining key figure from NXT’s 2.0 era, following Bron Breakker, Grayson Waller, and Carmelo Hayes’ moves to the main roster, D’Angelo’s promotion seems imminent. His storyline and presence suggest he is likely to join WWE’s primary shows soon after SummerSlam.
Lexis King’s Growth Points to Main Roster Readiness
Former AEW wrestler Lexis King adapted quickly to larger audiences but was mainly utilized as a tag team specialist without much character development. In NXT, King has evolved into a convincing villain but has experienced more losses than expected. Despite this, King has demonstrated versatility and readiness for the main roster.
King’s ability to align with groups like Seth Rollins’ faction or The Judgment Day, or even thrive alone, makes her a strong candidate for the next wave of talent joining RAW or SmackDown.
Lola Vice Primed for Larger Opportunities Beyond NXT
Winner of the 2023 Breakout Tournament, Lola Vice has yet to secure a title in NXT but consistently challenges top talent. Vice, who has a background in MMA, needs to improve her promo skills, yet she has already performed in front of main roster crowds at events like Worlds Collide and the Evolution Battle Royal.
Her alliance potential is notable, as she has teamed with Stephanie Vaquer and could complement Zelina Vega on television. Vice’s experience and competitive spirit suggest she will soon test herself on a bigger stage.
Lash Legend’s Rising Profile Signals a Main Roster Move
Lash Legend made her mark as a loud, brash antagonist before becoming a formidable competitor, participating in major matches such as the 2025 Royal Rumble and challenging for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. She stood out for boasting about eliminating notable stars including Nikki Bella and Nia Jax, who got her comeuppance in their recent NXT feud.
Once this rivalry concludes, Lash Legend is expected to transition to either RAW or SmackDown, introducing a powerful presence to the women’s division on the main roster.
Ricky Saints and Jordynne Grace Bring Experience and Star Power to WWE’s Future
Ricky Saints, like Lexis King and Ethan Page, possesses extensive experience in front of major audiences thanks to his AEW tenure. Although Saints and Page did not receive long-term plans in AEW, Saints maintains strong connections with stars like Jade Cargill and Cody Rhodes, which could open opportunities on SmackDown or RAW. Rumors also link Saints to Seth Rollins’ stable, confirming his potential involvement on the red brand after SummerSlam.
Similarly, Jordynne Grace entered WWE with a reputable background, having competed in the 2024 Women’s Royal Rumble as the TNA World Knockouts Champion. Known as “The Juggernaut,” Grace has repeatedly contended for the NXT Women’s Title, although recent interference from Blake Monroe curtailed her latest attempt. A confrontation with Monroe at the upcoming Heatwave event may pave the way for Grace to join the main roster, enhancing the women’s division strength on SmackDown or RAW.
SummerSlam Significance and Anticipated Main Roster Shifts
With several prominent NXT talents on the brink of advancing to WWE’s flagship programs, SummerSlam serves as a pivotal event for talent movement. The expected promotions of wrestlers like Tony D’Angelo, Lexis King, Lola Vice, Lash Legend, Ricky Saints, and Jordynne Grace signal an effort to reinvigorate both men’s and women’s divisions on RAW and SmackDown after a quieter period for male NXT debuts.
The transition for these stars brings new storylines, fresh rivalries, and potentially shifts the competitive landscape ahead of WWE’s calendar year. Fans should watch closely as these NXT wrestlers inject renewed energy into the main roster alongside established performers.
