WrestleTalk names five NXT talents who could be pushed if AJ Styles takes NXT creative
WrestleTalk reports AJ Styles is being considered to replace Shawn Michaels as NXT head of creative and lists five NXT performers who could be elevated if he takes the role.
WrestleTalk names five NXT talents who could be pushed if AJ Styles takes NXT creative
WrestleTalk reports that AJ Styles could replace Shawn Michaels as head of creative for WWE NXT when he moves to the main roster and assumes the role currently held by Bruce Prichard. The site says Styles has worked closely with the developmental brand since retiring from in-ring competition and highlights several performers who might be elevated under his creative direction.
Names WrestleTalk highlights
- Kendal Grey — WrestleTalk notes Grey has been a breakout on NXT after arriving from Evolve, winning the Iron Survivor match and later the NXT Women’s Championship. The outlet says Styles has produced some of her recent matches and praised her work, making Grey a likely focal point under Styles.
- Zilla Fatu — WrestleTalk says the Anoa'i family member arrived with strong buzz and has become one of NXT’s more popular stars. The report adds Fatu has worked closely with Styles recently and suggests he could keep Fatu near the top of the brand while preparing him for a main roster move.
- EK Prosper — Identified by WrestleTalk as a WWE ID signee and a graduate of Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling, Prosper has impressed on Evolve and NXT and recently challenged Grayson Waller for the NXT Championship. WrestleTalk argues Prosper’s breakout makes him a candidate for further elevation under Styles.
- The Vanity Project (Jackson Drake, Brad Baylor, Ricky Smokes & Myka Lockwood) — WrestleTalk points out The Vanity Project’s strong 2026 profile on NXT. The site says Jackson Drake was the first-ever Evolve Men’s Champion and is the current NXT North American Champion, while Baylor and Smokes are the current and two-time NXT Tag Team Champions. WrestleTalk presents the faction as ready-made for a top-tier role on NXT.
- Cruz Montana — WrestleTalk recalls Montana’s earlier TNA appearances and a mentor-mentee relationship with AJ Styles during that time. The report suggests Styles may see potential in Montana and could aim to position him for a run at the NXT title if he takes creative control.
These names and scenarios are drawn from WrestleTalk’s report and presented as possibilities rather than confirmed plans.
