NXT has been the breeding ground for many of WWE’s biggest stars since the Black and Gold era started by Triple H more than ten years ago. While numerous current top WWE talents first made their mark in NXT, several former NXT standouts have left WWE to find success elsewhere. Here are six ex-WWE wrestlers who might make a comeback to NXT.
6. Mustafa Ali
Mustafa Ali returned to WWE in October 2025 through a collaboration between NXT and TNA, two years after his release from the company in 2023. He recently faced Ethan Page in an impressive NXT North American Championship match but has not wrestled in WWE since. With his contract reportedly ending later this year, there is potential for WWE to bring him back full-time. Ali still has much to prove and develop, positioning him as a possible future star for NXT or even the main roster in 2026.
Fan Take: Mustafa Ali’s potential return to NXT is exciting news for WWE fans because it signals the company’s willingness to invest in talent with untapped potential. His comeback could bring fresh energy and compelling storylines to NXT, benefiting the broader wrestling scene.
