New WWE Signings To Appear At NXT Heatwave 2026

WWE

Taking place during a packed weekend of professional wrestling, Sunday’s WWE NXT Heatwave premium live event should be looking to stand out with some exciting moments.

With Cruz Montana and Zilla Fatu showing up on the brand recently, we could see even more new signings make a statement in NXT with an appearance in Edinburg, Texas.

Here are five potential new WWE signings to appear at NXT Heatwave 2026.

5. Richard Holliday

The appearance that seems to be the most likely of any free agent name on this list; Richard Holliday is looking set for a move to WWE after saying his goodbyes at GCW’s Melee in Manchester event in July.

Adding further fuel to the fire, the former MLW star stated that he will address his GCW farewell this weekend, leading some to believe this clarification on his future could come at NXT Heatwave.

Holliday has been one of the independent scene’s most prolific competitors for the past decade, and has more than earned an opportunity on the biggest stage.

Adding to the increasingly stacked NXT male talent roster, Holliday can immediately mix it up with the other aforementioned new signings like Zilla Fatu and Cruz Montana in the AEW World Title scene, or seek to bring an end to NXT North American Champion Myles Borne’s near 200 day run.

4. Eric Young

Switching gears from a new face in NXT to a familiar one who could be returning, and Eric Young’s return to WWE was reported to be in the works in July – shortly after the former Sanity’s leader TNA Wrestling exit.

While it was stated that Young was set to be taking up a player/coach role in NXT, Young has not been seen in WWE since that news broke, and it’s unclear whether he has indeed returned to the company or not.

With Young’s experience he could perform a similar role to Shawn Spears in NXT; putting over younger talent on television and working behind the scenes to coach them to become the best versions of themselves.

Whether it be starting up a feud with someone like Shiloh Hill, or mentoring Jasper Troy back up to a prominent spot, NXT could greatly benefit from Young’s presence regardless.

3. Mara Sadè

Another recent TNA Wrestling departure, who could potentially find their way back in WWE is Mara Sadè.

Sadè is now a free agent and being heavily linked to a move to AEW; where her real-life boyfriend Kevin Knight performs. However, without any confirmation of this happening as of yet, there’s always a chance that the former Jakara Jackson makes her way back to WWE instead.

Sadè is no stranger to WWE NXT, having spent three years there before her release from the company in May 2025. In the time since she was let go however, Sadè has reinvented herself and carved her own path in the industry; and thus she enters free agency in a position of power.

While her former tag team partner Lash Legend is seemingly set for big things on WWE SmackDown, Sadè start her own path to WWE success back in NXT and take the brand by storm this Sunday at Heatwave.

2. Elijah Holyfield

The only name on this list already signed to WWE, Elijah Holyfield appears to have all the potential in the world to follow in the footsteps of his legendary boxer father Evander Holyfield by competing on a global stage.

While wrestling and boxing are obviously far different, Elijah has the physical attributes his family name promises, and is seemingly just waiting for the opportunity to make his mark in NXT.

Having already been told that a move to AAA is in his future, Holyfield could make a splash in NXT this Sunday at Heatwave; whether it be by attacking an established name or simply cutting a promo, announcing his arrival.

Following in the footsteps of other WWE LFG graduates such as Shiloh Hill and Keanu Carver, Holyfield making his mark in NXT feels like a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if.’

1. Enzo Amore

Just over two months before Big Cass made his return to WWE on the August 3 episode of Raw, it was reported that his former tag team partner Enzo Amore was also on his way back to WWE via the NXT brand.

While Cass has made his mark on Raw, it’s not yet known whether Enzo will in fact be joining him back in WWE after all, as there has been no new updates on his status since that aforementioned report back in May.

Many would argue that Enzo and Cass are at their best together, rather than apart. So, moving Enzo to NXT would be a bit of head scratcher, however, his presence on the brand would no doubt still be appreciated by the NXT faithful.

Also, given Enzo’s famous “gift of gab” time spent in NXT, helping the younger talent with their promos, would be a worthwhile use of the former Cruiserweight Champion, as he still ranks as one of the most natural talkers in pro wrestling today.

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• nxt
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