Seven WWE stars who deserve a major push | Opinion
WWE WrestleMania 42 crowned new champions while also setting directions for future storytelling.
The Raw after Mania saw three new members added to the main roster in Sol Ruca, Ethan Page and Joe Hendry. While the first two competed in their first matches on the brand to showcase their skills, Hendry debuted on Raw live tonight with a live concert.
However, several other talents from the current roster could emerge as the new faces of the company this year if booked effectively.
Royce Keys
Keys made his SmackDown debut on April 10 against Berto, whom he defeated within minutes. Prior to this, he was competing in dark matches which he later revealed was intentional to familiarize himself with both his new home and new audiences.
He won the Andre the Giant memorial battle royal on SmackDown before WrestleMania. It’s barely the tip of the iceberg for Keys’ WWE run and with WrestleMania 42 behind them, the page has officially turned over for new talents to make their mark.
Despite competing in just three matches so far, Keys has the potential to transition from promising newcomer in WWE to top card contender. A gradual boost and development over random surges of top tier matches could help establish him as a dominant force on the roster.
Je’Von Evans
Evans is already a fan favorite for his energetic approach and in-ring agility.
During his short time on NXT, Evans faced Randy Orton which displayed his readiness for the main roster, and that also displayed the faith WWE officials in his run.
Evans was officially added to Raw in January and has since competed in marquee matches featuring top names of the industry. He also made his WrestleMania debut competing in the ladder match for the Intercontinental Title.
Carmelo Hayes
Hayes gained fans’ sympathy after losing the United States title in an abrupt manner to Sami Zayn barely a couple of weeks before WrestleMania 42 — a show Hayes didn’t wrestle at. While he seemed to be fairing well, the rushed title loss established himself as champion. The lack of prolonged payoff left fans feeling the title reign was cut short before it could fully develop.
Regardless of the setback, Hayes has received support from the WWE fanbase. A natural direction to solidify the buzz around him would be to put him against his former NXT ally/foe Trick Williams for the title.
If handled correctly, Williams vs. Hayes on the main roster could evolve into a top tier WWE rivalry in the long run.
Jordynne Grace
Grace built a rapport with fans when she debuted at the 2024 Royal Rumble while holding the TNA Knockouts Championship at the time.
Earlier this year, she was one of the many stars officially called up to SmackDown. She was briefly in pursuit of the WWE Women’s Championship, feuding with Jade Cargill. It didn’t turn out to be much though as Cargill was already in the plans to face Rhea Ripley at WrestleMania.
With more consistent exposure and some big wins, Grace could both be positioned as a strong contender and emerge as a top name in the women’s division.
Finn Balor
Balor’s grit as a competitor was overshadowed by the Judgment Day, but his exit from the group gives him more leeway to prove himself as a strong World title contender again. He already brought back his former entrance theme, The Demon, and his signature look from a decade ago.
Despite losing two World Heavyweight Championship matches to CM Punk, Balor’s resume still remains strong to regain his glory days from nearly a decade ago.
Also, given how WWE has been riding the nostalgia wave with returns and reviving gimmicks, Balor’s push once again to the top of the roster feels like a natural move, especially considering he was the inaugural Universal Champion at SummerSlam 2016.
Giulia
Giulia walked into WWE with an extensive career in Stardom and NJPW. However, that momentum was diminished shortly after her main roster move.
She competed in NXT for a year, won the Women’s title, and was also the winner of the Iron Survivor Challenge in 2024. With this groundwork, her main roster transition made sense, but the results haven’t been what even she would probably say she expected.
She has already proven her versatility to stand out on the main roster, so with proper booking and long-term presentation, Giulia could be demonstrated as a dominant opponent in the women’s division.
Tama Tonga
Last month, Tonga expressed displeasure at Solo Sikoa stealing Uncle Howdy’s lantern amid The MFTs feud with Wyatt Sicks. He has continued to question Sikoa’s leadership on a few occasions and the latter’s patience seems to be wearing thin.
Tonga debuted in WWE in April 2024, attacking Jimmy Uso to secure an alliance with Sikoa.
He has the capacity to be a strong contender on his own and an exit from the faction could make for deeper storytelling, a developed character arc, and targeting the U.S. Title to kick off a singles run.
Rosanne Raphael is a wrestling writer with over three and a half years of experience covering all things related to the industry. From a kindergarten teacher to PR Associate to turning her lifelong passion for the industry into a career, Rosanne is currently writing for F4W Online where she focuses on wrestling news, analysis, and storytelling.
Rosanne previously contributed to Sportskeeda as an Assistant Content Manager.
When not consumed by wrestling, Rosanne is a musician and an aspiring artist.