6 WWE NXT Stars To Be Pushed By Shawn Michaels

WWE

The WWE NXT roster has seen a massive amount of change in 2026, perhaps more so than any other year in recent history.

Oba Femi, Trick Williams and Jordynne Grace were all called up to the main roster at the beginning of the year, while Joe Hendry, Fatal Influence, Ricky Saints, Ethan Page, Blake Monroe and Sol Ruca all followed after WrestleMania 42.

Many new faces have since arrived on the scene, and they, as well as some more tenured stars on the NXT roster could be in line for big pushes in the coming weeks and months.

Here are six WWE NXT stars to potentially be pushed by Shawn Michaels.

6. Mason Rook

Of all the new arrivals on WWE NXT, Mason Rook has probably garnered the most attention and conversation.

Following almost ten years competing around the world, Rook arrived in WWE on the April 28 episode of NXT, with more than one public endorsement from 17-time world champion John Cena to his name.

The highly agile super heavyweight looks to have his eyes on championship gold, taking out both NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo and NXT North American Champion Myles Borne.

While it was Kam Hendrix who got the pin over Borne in he and Rook’s tag match against the two NXT Champions last week, Rook did the leg work and put in an impressive showing that bodes well for his prospects on Tuesday nights going forward.

5. Naraku

Speaking of new arrivals, while Mason Rook has been using force to get himself into title contention, fellow new WWE signee Naraku (fka EVIL) has been focusing on getting into the head of Tony D’Angelo.

That’s not to say that Naraku hasn’t proven he can deliver in the ring thus far, as he laid waste to Lince Dorado in quick fashion in his NXT debut on May 12.

While it remains to be seen when Naraku will strike against Tony D, it’s evident that the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion is among the top contenders to potentially capture the brand’s top prize this Summer.

Following in the footsteps of former Japanese NXT Champions like Shinsuke Nakamura, Kairi Sane and his wife IYO SKY, Naraku looks set for a big push in NXT.

4. Saquon Shugars

Switching gears from new signings to established NXT talent now, and Saquon Shugars’ world got turned upside down on last week’s May 19 episode of NXT.

After he and Darkstate teammate Dion Lennox failed to dethrone The Vanity Project for the NXT Tag Team Championships, Lennox, Cutler James and Osiris Griffin turned their backs on Shugars with a three-on-one attack to close the show.

While this surprising development leaves Shugars in a much worse position on paper, it could be the catalyst for a major babyface singles push on NXT.

The 26-year-old has an exciting in-ring style and a lot of charisma, so he will likely flourish on his own as he seeks revenge on his former stablemates.

3. Lizzy Rain

In what was just her third match on WWE TV since debuting on April 28, Lizzy Rain challenged Tatum Paxley for the NXT Women’s North American Championship last week.

While the English star came up short, it was an excellent showing for the former Rayne Leverkusen, and there appears to be a good chance she’ll remain in the hunt for the title heading into the Summer.

Rain has star potential written all over her, with a unique metal inspired presentation and innate charisma that will likely see her reach the very top of NXT, and potentially even the main roster in the future.

The NXT women’s division continues to be the brand’s strongest asset, and acquisitions like Lizzy Rain will ensure that that remains the case for the remainder of 2026 and beyond.

2. Zaria

Speaking of the NXT women’s division, Zaria was ultimately the only person standing tall in the aftermath of Lizzy Rain and Tatum Paxley’s battle over the NXT Women’s North American Championship last week.

The Australian star has been on a mission since turning her back on Sol Ruca in February, and with her former tag team partner now truly in the rear view mirror, it feels inevitable that she captures her first piece of gold in WWE.

While Zaria has already made her intentions clear regarding coming after Tatum Paxley’s title, perhaps beyond that, Zaria could do what Sol Ruca could not, and win the NXT Women’s Championship before she eventually gets called up to Raw or SmackDown.

Given how Shawn Michaels has been portraying her in 2026, Zaria looks like a lock for a big push in the coming months.

1. Keanu Carver

With Oba Femi leaving NXT behind in January, Shawn Michaels has seemingly found himself his next monster on Tuesday nights: Keanu Carver.

While reaching the same heights as “The Ruler” is no easy feat, Carver has had a truly dominant 2026 thus far.

The former college football star has sent Joe Hendry packing from the brand, as well as picking up wins over fellow monsters Josh Briggs and Jasper Troy.

His most recent win over Tate Wilder last week continued his hot streak, and it appears like an inevitability that Shawn Michaels pushes him to championship gold in NXT.

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