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Since 2012, NXT has been the brand serving as a bridge between a new WWE Superstar and the main roster. However, not all newcomers have walked that bridge.
The developmental brand has been responsible for getting several future legends ready for the big stage. From Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins to Gunther and Bron Breakker, the list of beneficiaries is beyond stacked.
Despite the perks of an NXT run, there have been multiple instances of WWE signing a new superstar and sending them straight to the main roster. This could be due to varying reasons, for example, the said wrestler could be a veteran or boast a significant mainstream appeal.
That said, let's list down five superstars who had WWE's trust to bypass NXT and pop up directly on one of the flagship shows.
#5 Jacob Fatu
The word 'generational' is used quite loosely these days. But wrestling fans across the globe are calling Jacob Fatu just that, wasting no time to give him his flowers.
Following months of chatter, The Samoan Werewolf recently made his WWE debut as a member of the 'new' Bloodline. On his first night, he singlehandedly laid out the top faces of the blue brand i.e. Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton & Kevin Owens.
Unlike the self-proclaimed Head of the Table Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu didn't need to prove himself in NXT first. Instead, he was slotted into the main-event storyline of the most-watched weekly wrestling show right off the bat. For those unaware, he had plenty of time to work on his character and mic skills during his iconic MLW run.
Furthermore, if his astounding first few weeks are any indication, Fatu would be running laps around many main-roster veterans before his rookie year is over.
#4. Jade Cargill
The day news broke out of Jade Cargill's signing with WWE, fans knew that she was about to have a rocket strapped to her back.
But the question on everyone's mind was: Would she be required to spend a few months as an NXT talent? Turned out that the answer was a resounding no. Despite there being rumors about 'The Storm' needing to refine her in-ring chops, she steered clear of the Shawn Michaels-led brand. Yes, she did appear on NXT, but that was just to tease that anything could happen.
Her main roster debut happened during the 2024 Women's Royal Rumble match. While Cargill wasn't the last woman standing in the ring that night, her dominant performance convinced the crowd and viewers that she was ready for prime time.
Then, a couple of months later, she had her second WWE match at WrestleMania XL, after which she became a main-roster regular and even won the Women's Tag Team Championship.
#3. Dominik Mysterio
Most stars who skip NXT are either marquee names in the wrestling world or truly gifted journeymen. Even though Dominik Mysterio belonged to neither of these categories, he still got to kick off his pro wrestling career as part of the RAW roster.
Following an entertaining debut match against Seth Rollins at SummerSlam 2020, fans started noticing that Dom wasn't ready to be a full-time member of the main roster. Him trying to mimic his dad's babyface antics wasn't clicking with the fans, making WWE Universe start to clamor for the star to head to NXT and figure out a way to stand out.
But all thanks to his career-saving heel turn in the fall of 2022, 'Dirty' Dom is now one of the most despised heels in the Stamford-based promotion. Even the most dull crowds make sure to drown The Judgment Day member in deafening boos.
While he didn't start in NXT, he did get a stint there in 2023, becoming a two-time North American Champion. However, given that he had already nailed his gimmick by then, the main purpose of his time in the developmental show was to use his status as a heat magnet to elevate the up-and-coming babyfaces.
#2. Ronda Rousey
WWE has and will always jump at the chance to welcome outsiders with unreal potential or massive fan following. So, it was no surprise that the company signed Ronda Rousey after she closed the book on her UFC career.
The Baddest Woman on the Planet made her WWE debut by appearing after the first-ever Women's Royal Rumble match in 2018. Her first feud was against Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, with her debut happening at The Grandest Stage of Them All, WrestleMania 34.
Rousey won over a lot of wrestling fans during her tremendous rookie year. In fact, her star power helped the pro-wrestling titan run their first-ever women's only pay-per-view, Evolution. Rousey did all of this and much more without having a single match or feud in NXT.
She was already used to competing under the bright lights, courtesy of her remarkable MMA career. Furthermore, she sharpened her in-ring skills by training at the WWE Performance Center and Brian Kendrick's wrestling school.
#1. 2-time WWE Champion AJ Styles
Up until the end of 2015, AJ Styles was a part of the short list of proficient names who made it big in the wrestling industry without WWE's blessings.
Yes, The Phenomenal One had a couple of tryout matches in the Stamford-based promotion early in his career. However, he built a significant part of his legacy via his tremendous work in TNA, ROH, and NJPW. It wouldn't be until January 2016 that 'AJ Styles in WWE' went from a mind-boggling 'What If?' to an exciting reality.
The Georgia native kicked off his full-time run as a member of the Sports Entertainment titan at Royal Rumble 2016. Following an impressive yet unsuccessful Rumble showing, Styles entered a storyline with Chris Jericho, thus securing a prominent spot on the main roster right off the bat.
In his debut year, he put on two fantastic performances against Roman Reigns, defeated John Cena twice & won the WWE Championship. What's more impressive is that not once did it seem like the company was rushing Styles' rise to the top.
