10 WWE NXT Main Roster Call-Ups That NEED To Happen In 2026
Which 10 NXT stars are ready to graduate and be called up to Raw or SmackDown in 2026?
As great as NXT can be as a show on Tuesday nights, the ultimate goal of being a developmental brand is for those wrestlers to graduate to the main roster, moving on to either Monday Night Raw or Friday Night SmackDown.
Some get a fast pass through the system. Others take years to reach a point where WWE is comfortable entrusting them with that responsibility. Sadly, most don't get the call-up at all.
But with every year, at least a handful of talent are selected to take the big leap—whether it be during a WWE Draft or just a random trade. And with SmackDown struggling as it is, but adding a third hour starting January 2, as well as a good number of older talent bowing out and retiring, an influx of NXT wrestlers will be needed in 2026 to counterbalance those gaps on the roster.
Whether it's to freshen things up and create opportunities for new and interesting storylines, or it's just time for someone to sink or swim in the big leagues, here are 10 NXT stars who should be traded to the main roster in 2026.
10. Trick Williams
A recurring theme on this list is going to be some phrasing of "What else is there for them to do in NXT?" and that may apply best to Trick Williams.
In fact, Williams is in an interesting spot because he reached that point so many months ago that WWE had to ship him to TNA Wrestling to be their world champion and give him a different company's title to fight for, because there wasn't room for him to hold the top spot alongside Oba Femi, who is back to being The Ruler of NXT once again.
There's something to be said about not wanting to remove all your stars from NXT who can draw an audience, but is playing it safe for the brand a bigger priority than allowing Trick the opportunity to advance to the next stage of his career? After all, as important as NXT is, Raw and SmackDown are the true flagship shows which are even more crucial to succeed.
Williams either has a built-in feud with Carmelo Hayes or can reform Trick Melo Gang at any moment and it would be a hit act. He's earned the right to move on.