In a big step toward reshaping its roster, WWE NXT has officially signed several rising stars from WWE EVOLVE, bringing in fresh talent following a wave of main roster call-ups. With names like Je’Von Evans, Trick Williams, Jordynne Grace, and Oba Femi moving up, NXT is preparing for a new era — and these recent signings are set to play a major role.
Main Roster Call-Ups Open the Door for New Stars
Over the last week, NXT has seen several of its biggest names leave the brand:
- Je’Von Evans has officially joined the RAW roster.
- Trick Williams, former NXT Champion, is now on SmackDown.
- Jordynne Grace, the standout powerhouse from the women’s division, has also made her way to SmackDown.
- Oba Femi, who recently vacated the NXT Championship, is rumored to be heading to RAW, though nothing has been confirmed yet.
With these departures, NXT is looking to reload with new talent, and WWE EVOLVE is once again proving to be the pipeline for NXT’s next generation.
New NXT Signings from WWE EVOLVE
The official WWE NXT Twitter (X) account confirmed that several top EVOLVE performers have officially signed with NXT. Here’s a breakdown of the new additions:
Keanu Carver
- Participated in the 2023 NXT Breakout Tournament.
- Has been making waves in WWE EVOLVE, showcasing raw power and charisma.
- Known for his hard-hitting style and athletic build, Carver brings a strong presence to NXT’s mid-card scene.
Eli Knight
- Signed with WWE as an ID prospect in October 2025.
- Competed on the December 23, 2025 episode of NXT against Tavion Heights.
- A versatile performer with strong technical ability and aerial offense.
- Knight is expected to quickly rise through the ranks with more exposure on weekly NXT TV.
The Vanity Project
A trio that includes:
- Jackson Drake (Current WWE EVOLVE Champion)
- Ricky Smokes
- Brad Baylor
Together, they bring an established group dynamic that could shake up both the singles and tag divisions. Drake, as EVOLVE Champion, already carries momentum, while Smokes and Baylor compete as the flashy, social media-savvy tag team Swipe Right.
They’ve made appearances on NXT before, and now that they’ve signed full-time deals, we can expect The Vanity Project to become a major faction on the brand — possibly even eyeing tag team gold.
NXT’s New Era is Underway
This new wave of signings signals a fresh chapter for NXT, especially as key talent moves on to RAW and SmackDown. Here’s a quick overview of the transition:
| Departed to Main Roster | Newly Signed to NXT |
|---|---|
| Je’Von Evans (RAW) | Keanu Carver |
| Trick Williams (SmackDown) | Eli Knight |
| Jordynne Grace (SmackDown) | Jackson Drake |
| Oba Femi (rumored for RAW) | Ricky Smokes |
| Brad Baylor |
With Oba Femi’s next move still uncertain, and more talent potentially shifting soon, WWE is clearly putting effort into building up its NXT bench with prospects who are already somewhat familiar to fans through EVOLVE appearances.
What to Expect From the New Signings
These new additions offer exciting possibilities for NXT storylines:
- Keanu Carver could be slotted into upper mid-card feuds or serve as a future challenger for the NXT North American Title.
- Eli Knight has the athleticism to shine in singles competition and potentially be a breakout underdog.
- The Vanity Project adds a faction dynamic that could disrupt both singles and tag team competition — and with Drake as EVOLVE Champion, he’s got instant credibility.
Expect WWE to start integrating them into TV in the coming weeks, possibly in backstage segments, surprise matches, or future tournaments.
