The winds of change are blowing through WWE’s Friday Night SmackDown, and the blue brand is bracing for a much-needed influx of fresh talent from NXT. After months of speculation and mounting fan anticipation, multiple reports confirm that WWE is set to call up new superstars from its developmental ranks to fill gaps left by recent injuries and inject energy into a product that’s been treading familiar territory for too long.
According to WRKD Wrestling’s October 16, 2025 report, the SmackDown roster is about to receive a boost as several NXT stars are expected to join the main stage imminently. This move comes on the heels of a string of injuries and key roster shifts that have left SmackDown cycling through the same talents and storylines. Bianca Belair, a cornerstone of the women’s division, has been sidelined since WrestleMania 2025, while other stars have transitioned to Raw, further thinning the blue brand’s depth. As it stands, Jade Cargill and Nia Jax have been the only credible threats to WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton since Stratton’s victory over Trish Stratus at Evolution 2025.
Cory Hays of BodySlamNet corroborated the news, stating that these call-ups have been in the works for several weeks. WWE’s creative team, eager to shake things up, is reportedly planning to introduce new faces and freshen up the SmackDown product. The timing couldn’t be better, as fans and insiders alike have been clamoring for new storylines and dynamic matchups.
The October 10, 2025 episode of SmackDown offered a glimpse of this new direction, featuring notable returns and a tantalizing faction-versus-faction tease between the Wyatt Sicks and the MFT. The show also delighted longtime fans by bringing back some classic theme songs, a nostalgic nod that was met with raucous approval from the live audience. These creative flourishes signal WWE’s intent to blend tradition with innovation as it looks to the future.
While WWE has yet to officially announce which NXT stars will be making the leap, the rumor mill is in overdrive. Among the most popular fan choices is Trick Williams. Williams, a charismatic and athletic performer, has spent considerable time honing his craft in NXT and has already tasted gold, recently dropping the TNA World Championship to Mike Santana at Bound For Glory 2025. Williams has also begun a heated feud with NXT Champion Ricky Saints, further raising his profile. Fans have been chanting “Whoop That Trick” at shows, a testament to his growing popularity and readiness for the main roster spotlight.
Oba Femi, another name on everyone’s lips, is being touted as a future main event player. Known as “The Ruler,” Femi’s resume is impressive: he held the NXT Championship for a remarkable 263 days before losing to Ricky Saints at No Mercy 2025 and previously reigned as the longest-standing North American Champion for 272 days. At 6’6” and 310 pounds, Femi is a powerhouse with a commanding presence and a penchant for dominating his opponents. Many believe that Femi is primed to challenge for the WWE United States Championship and could be the one to dethrone Sami Zayn in his full-time main roster debut.
Jordynne Grace is another superstar whose name has surfaced in discussions about imminent call-ups. Though once reported to be on the verge of joining the main roster, Grace remains in NXT as of mid-October 2025. Industry insiders speculate that WWE may be waiting for her to capture the NXT Women’s Championship before making the move official. Nevertheless, the consensus is clear: Grace is more than ready for the bright lights of WWE’s biggest stage.
The need for fresh faces is further underscored by the current composition of WWE’s top male stars. At Crown Jewel in Perth, Australia, on October 16, 2025, the company showcased its heavy hitters: Roman Reigns, The Usos, John Cena, AJ Styles, Seth Rollins, and Cody Rhodes. With the exception of a few, most of these stars are approaching or have surpassed the age of 40. Seth Rollins, for instance, is on the cusp at 39. While the legends continue to deliver, there’s a palpable hunger among fans—and even within the locker room—for the next generation to step up and make their mark.
Je’Von Evans, dubbed the “Young OG,” is another rising star who has caught the attention of the WWE universe. Evans made back-to-back SmackDown appearances in late September 2025, first answering Sami Zayn’s open challenge for the United States Title and then teaming with Rey Fenix for a tag-team victory. The Orlando crowd was electrified by Evans’ performance, rewarding him with a standing ovation after his hard-fought match with Zayn. “The crowd really seemed to get behind Evans,” as one report put it, and even Zayn acknowledged the moment by raising Evans’ hand and encouraging continued applause. Evans’ growing momentum and fan support make him a strong candidate for a main roster call-up.
The case for Trick Williams is equally compelling. Over the past year, Williams has been teased for a main roster debut, making multiple appearances on SmackDown in 2024, including a memorable run-in to save Carmelo Hayes from A-Town Down Under. His resume is stacked: a former TNA Champion, two-time NXT Champion, North American Champion, and the 2023 Iron Survivor Challenge winner. Williams’ in-ring skills, charisma, and crowd connection have only grown, and his time in developmental seems to have run its course. As one observer noted, “Williams has done more than enough in his time in WWE so far to warrant a spot on either Raw or SmackDown.”
The WWE universe is ready. Crowds are already chanting “Bouncy” for Evans and “Hooh” for Femi, echoing the kind of organic support that propelled stars like Jey Uso and Stone Cold Steve Austin. Management faces tough decisions as they balance honoring established legends with creating opportunities for hungry newcomers. But as the excitement builds and anticipation reaches a fever pitch, one thing is certain: the next wave of WWE superstars is knocking at the door.
As Bron Breakker recently demonstrated on Raw, young talent is eager to carve out its own path and vision. The coming weeks promise to bring clarity as WWE finalizes its roster moves and unveils the superstars poised to shape the future of Friday Night SmackDown. The stage is set, the fans are ready, and the blue brand is about to get a whole lot more interesting.
