Over the past two weeks, several WWE NXT talents have officially debuted on WWE’s main roster, marking a significant shift in the wrestling promotion’s landscape. Trick Williams, Jordynne Grace, Joe Hendry, and Je’von Evans all appeared for the first time, integrating their NXT experience into WWE’s flagship shows, SmackDown and Raw.
New WWE Main Roster Assignments for NXT Talent
WWE’s official website has verified that Trick Williams and Jordynne Grace are now part of the SmackDown brand, while Je’von Evans has signed to join Raw. Joe Hendry, despite having his initial match on SmackDown against The Miz, has not yet been allocated to a specific brand. These debuts have coincided with notable matchups, such as Grace and Williams defeating Alba Fyre and Rey Fenix on the January 9 episode of SmackDown. Jade Cargill, the reigning WWE Women’s Champion, approached Grace following her match, setting the stage for future storylines.
Williams is scheduled to challenge Matt Cardona on January 16, and other confirmed bouts include Randy Orton facing The Miz, Damien Priest taking on Solo Sikoa, and Sami Zayn competing against Ilja Dragunov. The victors of these encounters will advance to a four-way contest at Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24, where the winner will earn a title shot against Drew McIntyre at the Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia.
Recent NXT Transfers Impact Developmental Brand’s Progress
While four NXT stars have joined WWE’s main roster, several other talents like Oba Femi—who recently vacated his NXT title at New Year’s Evil—have yet to debut on the primary shows. Rumors had circulated about potential main roster promotions for Jacy Jayne, Sol Ruca, and Blake Monroe, but WWE officials ultimately decided against these moves. This wave of call-ups has reportedly weakened NXT’s momentum, as noted in reports highlighting communication issues between NXT leadership and main roster officials, leaving the developmental brand feeling caught off guard.
To address the resulting roster gaps, NXT has relied on introducing wrestlers from the Evolve promotion, attempting to rebuild the talent pool and maintain the brand’s competitive edge.
Additional WWE Updates Highlight Ongoing Uncertainty
Besides these roster shifts, WWE continues to experience notable developments that reflect an uncertain atmosphere across the promotion. Logan Paul recently caused a stir by posting an ambiguous message on Instagram during The Vision’s Raw match. Additionally, a former WWE star was unexpectedly arrested for speeding, underscoring the turbulent times within wrestling circles.
WWE partner Marigold will soon celebrate a significant milestone with a special event honoring a Japanese wrestling legend’s 15th anniversary, showcasing the company’s ongoing international presence despite the internal shifts. Meanwhile, Seth Rollins remains off WWE television following his relinquishment of the World Heavyweight Championship in October 2025, with fans and officials eagerly awaiting news on his next appearance.
In other news, Triple H expressed gratitude to fans in Germany, hinting at excitement for future events in the country, while a WWE Hall of Famer admitted to threatening Shawn Michaels’ life, a revelation that has added to wrestling’s complex personal histories. A current WWE star also publicly admitted that their character does not work well as a babyface, reflecting introspection within the roster. Lastly, a WWE veteran confirmed signing a new contract last year, providing some stability amidst the ongoing changes.
The recent NXT call-ups emphasize WWE’s strategy to refresh its main roster but carry consequences for its developmental brand’s stability. The evolving character arcs, contract renewals, and emerging storylines suggest WWE is at a crossroads, navigating both internal adjustments and audience expectations as it plans upcoming major events like the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia.
