Multiple NXT Stars Debut On WWE SmackDown

WWE brought some NXT stars to SmackDown ahead of this weekend's Royal Rumble 2024.

By Jamie Kennedy /

WWE.com

WWE brought multiple NXT stars to SmackDown ahead of this weekend's Royal Rumble 2024 PLE: NXT GM Ava, Trick Williams and Electra Lopez all took their respective bows on Friday's episode of blue brand fare.

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Ava vowed that the developmental show would make a splash at the Rumble. Meanwhile, Lopez attacked Zelina Vega at ringside during Santos Escobar's match vs. Carlito, and Trick Williams showed up to save Carmelo Hayes from a beatdown at the hands of Austin Theory and Grayson Waller.

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It's unclear if all three will make more appearances on SmackDown post-Rumble, but Electra appears to have the best chance. She posed with Escobar, Humberto and Angel, so it's possible WWE creative plans to make her a key part of this retooled Legado del Fantasma faction.

Williams will challenge Ilja Dragunov for the NXT Title at Vengeance Day on 4 February, so he's unlikely to become a main roster regular just yet. Ava's appearance was exclusively Rumble-related - she'll continue to develop this new character on NXT first and foremost.

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This isn't the first time WWE has sprinkled some NXT influence on the Rumble build, but it's always interesting to see some fresh faces on the bigger brands.