9 Wrestlers WWE Has BENCHED
3. Nikkita Lyons
Once considered a breakout star in NXT thanks to her idiosyncratic blend of athleticism, charisma, and crowd appeal, Nikkita Lyons has struggled to maintain momentum due to a series of physical setbacks that kept her off television for long stretches.
After missing most of 2023 with a torn ACL and meniscus, her return was hampered again in early 2024 by another serious knee injury - this time to the opposite leg. While Lyons remained active in the Performance Center and vocal about her rehabilitation journey, her absence from the ring left her out of the conversation as NXT’s women’s division changed dramatically without her. When she finally returned in late 2024, Lyons managed to score a few victories on NXT television, implying that a renewed push was forthcoming. But rather than becoming a fixture on the brand, Lyons was quietly transitioned to Evolve in early 2025 amidst a slew of more experienced talent being signed to the show. Her debut victory in Evolve was a positive sign, but it also marked a clear demotion from her once-prominent NXT position.
As of mid-2025, Lyons remains largely benched in the broader WWE landscape. Though still young and marketable, the frequent injuries and inconsistent booking have left her treading water. For now, Lyons is a prime example of a talent WWE hasn’t fully figured out how or when to use.