More Free Agents To Debut In WWE NXT Soon

WWE/TNA/NJPW

On the July 21 edition of WWE NXT, former two-time TNA World Champion Mike Santana made his official debut with the company as the newest star on the brand, confronting the NXT Champion Tony D’Angelo.

This free agent signing may open the door for even more available stars to make the move to sign and join the growing NXT brand.

With the company not looking to slow down in acquiring talent, it would make sense if a number of names from the independent scene, TNA Wrestling, NJPW and even AEW made the move to WWE NXT in the near future.

Here are eight more potential free agents to debut in WWE NXT soon.

8. The Dropouts (Scott Green & The Tuckman)

There have been recent reports that have indicated WWE is looking to add a few names from the independent scene around the world.

Looking at the Australian wrestling scene, one of the most popular acts has to be The Dropouts.

Known for their charisma and signature entrance, Scott Green and The Tuckman have garnered acclaim and look set to make a huge move in their career following their departure from PWA after vacating the company’s tag team titles.

With rumors circulating that they are ready to make that transition, the NXT tag team scene could be about to get very interesting with The Dropouts looking to impress and make a name for themselves.

7. Richard Holliday

Another independent star who has been getting some attention and interest from WWE as of late is Richard Holliday.

The former MLW star has become a spotlighted talent for several different indie promotions around the world.

After getting praise from the likes of Cody Rhodes and Matt Cardona in recent months, Holliday has looking to be teasing his departure from the indies following a recent WWE tryout.

Holliday signing with WWE could see him become another player-coach or even strive for the very top of the NXT brand moving forward.

6. Myla Grace

Over the past few months, TNA Wrestling has seen a growing number of departures from the company whether it be by release or choice of the performers themselves.

One of the latter was Myla Grace, who made the decision to request her release after only being with the company for just over a year.

The Irish independent wrestling standout could be a prospect for the major promotions like WWE and All Elite Wrestling to acquire her skills and experience into their women’s division right now.

Looking at the WWE NXT women’s scene, Grace could fit in nicely as she is still young, but has over eight years of experience to share with the talent who are just starting out.

5. Josh Bishop

WWE is set for their latest tryout during the upcoming SummerSlam weekend in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

One of the most notable names announced for the tryouts has to be current MLW World Tag Team Champion Josh Bishop.

For years, Bishop has become a breakout star for a variety of independent promotions thanks to size, strength and charisma.

Having experience in promotions like MLW, GCW and AIW, Bishop has what it takes to solidify himself as a top star on the NXT brand if need be and should be considered a candidate to be presented in that way.

4. J-Rod

Another star who will get an opportunity to impress in the upcoming WWE tryout during SummerSlam 2026 weekend is Jessica Roden, better known as J-Rod.

A graduate of the KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, J-Rod learned from WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi and Black Pearl.

Since then, J-Rod has become a prominent name on the Ohio Valley Wrestling roster and the current OVW Women’s Champion.

With a strong showing at the upcoming tryout, fans might see J-Rod join one of the best in the women’s division in the world today on WWE NXT moving forward.

3. Leon Slater

In 2025, Leon Slater became the latest TNA Wrestling star to be highlighted on WWE TV as part of the working relationship between the two promotions.

However, Slater might have stood out above all else, which has led to major opportunities with ‘The Youngest In Charge’ getting highlighted on John Cena’s Final Match and facing Carmelo Hayes for the United States Title on SmackDown.

With everything he has accomplished in a few short appearances on the company’s programming, it has felt like a no-brainer to some that Slater may join WWE and become an instant hit on the NXT brand.

Slater becoming officially part of the NXT roster could lead to championship gold and potentially even becoming the face of the entire brand until further notice.

2. Hiromu Takahashi

Following NJPW The New Beginning in Osaka 2026, Hiromu Takahashi officially departed New Japan Pro Wrestling after over 15 years with the promotion.

The former five-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion has always felt like someone that could follow in the footsteps of his former Los Ingobernables de Japon stablemate Naraku on WWE NXT.

After recent reports indicating WWE’s interest, it feels like a foregone conclusion the company will be adding ‘The Ticking Time Bomb’ into the fold sooner rather than later.

Considering his history with Naraku, it makes sense to make Hiromu an integral part in whatever story they are telling about these two former NJPW stars.

1. Sammy Guevara

Sammy Guevara recently caused a stir on social media by removing AEW from his bio on the X website.

While some fans believe this is a ploy for attention, there are others that think this could mark the end of Guevara in All Elite Wrestling, with a new report casting doubt on the futures of both he and his wife Tay Melo.

Regardless of what fans believe, it is clear that there might be smoke where there is fire when it comes Guevara leaving, which should see the former three-time TNT Champion get a fresh start in WWE NXT when he hits the open market.

Against the likes of Tony D’Angelo, Naraku and Mason Rook, Guevara could excel and shine brighter in NXT than he ever did in AEW.

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