NXT’s women’s division is one of the best in the world. The multitude of talent the brand has and continues to produce is astounding.
Becky Lynch, Bayley, Charlotte, and Sasha Banks among others have all made their name in NXT before becoming vital members of the main roster.
Several NXT Superstars are onto pastures new. Tegan Nox, Shotzi Blackheart, and Toni Storm have all left for SmackDown. The departure of those three names means there is a large gap of performers waiting to elevate to the main event level.
The roster still has those that could step up at any moment. The former champion Io Sharai, and Ember Moon are all one match away from getting back to title contention. In this list, we will specifically look at those who have not been there before.
Here are 5 women that could easily step up to be added to the top of NXT.
5. Franky Monet
This is a bit of an obvious choice due to her past accomplishments, but Franky Monet is a plug-in and play main event superstar.
Since her arrival in NXT, the former Knockouts Champion seems to be playing the long game. On her debut, she had a confrontation with NXT Women’s Champion, Raquel Gonzalez the following week she had a run-in with Io Sharai.
Since then she has only had two matches against talent one would expect her to beat while being used mainly in backstage segments.
Recently, Monet took over the Robert Stone Brand and appears to be taking it to the next level. A leadership role for Monet could see her rise through the ranks and enter the main event level.
4. Zoey Stark
Zoey Stark has wasted little time in making a big impact in NXT. Since signing for the company in January Stark has faced, Toni Storm, Sarray, Dakota Kai, Io Shirai and NXT Women’s Champion Raquel Gonzalez.
More recently she became one half of the NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions with Shirai. The duo defeated The Way’s Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae at Great American Bash.
Stark brings a certain throwback charm and charisma mixed with new school wrestling skill and ability. Her no-nonsense, physical style has seen go blow-for-blow and move-for-move with NXT’s best.
Judging by what she has accomplished in NXT in such a short space of time a main event push may not be far behind.
3. Candice LeRae
Candie LeRae is one of the best wrestlers to ever do it and it is surprising that she is yet to fully reach that main event level in NXT.
LeRae has taken part in some of NXT’s greatest moments and matches. She was integral in both women’s WarGames matches. She was on the winning team at Survivor Series 2019. She has challenged for the women’s title twice against Io Shirai in great matches. More recently she was the NXT Women’s Tag Team Champion with Indi Hartwell.
Despite these accomplishments, a singles championship run remains out of reach and that must be rectified. LeRae is far too good and a much-loved veteran to not get the main event run she deserves would be a crime against wrestling.
2. Kay Lee Ray
Kay Lee Ray is the history-making, record-breaking former NXT UK Women’s Champion who could easily slot herself right into the main event scene.
The ‘Scary Queen of Scots’ has the confidence, swagger, and skill of a champion with or without the belt. She has proven herself as both champion and challenger and it is time for her to prove herself stateside.
Kay Lee Ray has done all she can do in NXT UK. She carried the division for years and through one of the most difficult times in history.
Fans of NXT know just what she can do. Ray was a part of the first-ever women’s WarGames match back in 2019. Her presence brought a new element to the mix and she fitted in perfectly then and could easily do so now.
1. Dakota Kai
Dakota Kai is brilliant as a heel but even better as a babyface. She possesses a genuine likability and connection with the audience. Her work rate is exceptional and her ability to thrive in any situation has made her a fan favourite from her early days in NXT.
Kai has always been around the top throughout her entire NXT career but never fully reached that next level. Now is a perfect time. The storyline is right there. Kai brought Gonzalez into NXT as her bodyguard. However ‘Big Mami Cool’ soon eclipsed her. In just over 12 months Gonzalez went from enforcer to NXT Women’s Champion.
Gonzalez vs Kai brings back memories of Shawn Michaels vs Diesel and could replicate the ‘Good Friends Better Enemies’ storyline. ‘Big Mami Cool’ cutting her friend loose could instigate the face turn for Kai and, if played right, start one of the best angles in NXT women’s history.
Who do you think will step up to become NXT’s next superstar? Let us know in the comments below.
