Multiple NXT Stars Debut On WWE SmackDown

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.

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.

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.

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.