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Je’Von Evans
Malachi Jeffers has been wrestling for only seven years and is already making a name for himself. After a few appearances on AEW, Jeffers signed with WWE in November 2023 and made his first appearance on NXT on April 9, 2024, under his professional name: Je’Von Evans. At only 21 years old, Evans’s star is just beginning to shine, and he credits Shawn Michaels with seeing his potential early on.
Evans has become one of the biggest breakout stars in WWE in 2025, already making four main roster appearances. He has yet to win any gold during his time in NXT, but has displayed impressive athleticism that has won over the crowd at each match he’s been in.
The two most notable matches Evans has appeared in to date were against Sami Zayn during his United States Championship Open Challenge and his bout against Gunther in the John Cena “Last Time is Now” tournament. He has been compared to Jeff Hardy and Kofi Kingston with his high-energy, charismatic style.
Evans has impressed many in these two matches with his incredible charisma and athletic abilities, winning over those who count. At such a young age, his career is just beginning.
If Evans were to be soon called up (to which signs are pointing), he would be the youngest WWE superstar on the current roster for both the men’s and women’s divisions.
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Oba Femi
Isaac Odugbesan, born in Lagos, Nigeria, has become one of the most dominant forces in NXT history. He moved to the United States in 2017 to attend Middle Tennessee State University on a track and field scholarship.
He signed with the WWE in December 2021 as part of their Next In Line program, which aims to develop college athletes into professional wrestlers. Making his televised NXT debut on November 18, 2022, he was introduced by his professional wrestling name, Oba Femi, for the first time.
Femi became NXT North American Champion on January 9, 2024, after defeating Dragon Lee by cashing in his Breakout Tournament contract, becoming the longest-reigning title holder in history at 273 days, and winning 30 consecutive matches. His unbeaten streak came to an end on October 8, 2024, when he lost to Tony D’Angelo during NXT’s CW Network premiere.
Following the loss, he turned his sights to the NXT Championship, which he won on January 7, 2025, in a triple threat match against Trick Williams and Eddy Thorpe.
Femi would go on to defend the title 20 times between televised appearances, PLEs, and house shows, where he was able to display his incredible strength and athleticism. His title reign lasted a total of 263 days and ended on September 27, 2025, after losing the title to Ricky Saints at No Mercy.
Femi is another superstar who should be considered for the December 13, 2025, Saturday Night’s Main Event card, where he would be involved in a match against an active main roster talent, giving him an opportunity to showcase his impressive athletic skills and power-based style. He has mentioned Drew McIntyre as one of his dream opponents, and that match-up would be electric.
With almost two years having passed since the last major male NXT transition, the WWE Universe is definitely owed a major gift underneath the Christmas tree this holiday season. Five male superstars stand ready to answer the call, and their 2026 debut is all but sure to deliver a much-needed, electric boost of fresh talent to the Raw and SmackDown rosters.
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