The future of NXT is beginning to take shape with three new talents officially joining WWE’s Performance Center program. PWInsider reports that Meghan Walker, Jessica Bognadov, and Silas Habibi-Rikio have each signed full developmental contracts, entering the official NXT roster pipeline.
Meghan Walker, a former track athlete from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, is familiar with WWE as she previously participated in WWE’s NIL program. Now, she has advanced to a full Performance Center contract and has been seen at major WWE events such as WrestleMania, the Hall of Fame ceremony, and Money in the Bank. Walker was part of the same NIL class as Jacob Henry, Brock Rechsteiner, and TJ Bullard.
Jessica Bognadov offers a unique skill set, coming from a background as a Russian pole dancer and gymnast. She impressed WWE officials during tryouts at SummerSlam week and earned a full developmental contract. Her distinct athletic abilities could make her one of the most eye-catching competitors in the women’s division.
Cyrus Habibi-Rikio, a running back for the Boise State Broncos, also secured a spot after his SummerSlam tryout. His blend of size, agility, and football conditioning aligns with WWE’s recent strategy of recruiting former college athletes with high potential.
All three have signed full-time contracts with the Performance Center, meaning they will immediately begin training to develop their in-ring skills under the NXT system. Their diverse athletic backgrounds—from NCAA track and field to pole dancing and Division I football—add significant variety to WWE’s talent pool.
Who do you think has the strongest chance to become a breakout WWE star? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Fan Take: This fresh influx of talent from diverse athletic backgrounds highlights WWE’s commitment to evolving NXT into a dynamic and exciting brand. For fans, it signals the arrival of new and potentially groundbreaking stars who could redefine the sport and its storytelling.
