WWE is preparing to graduate multiple NXT stars to the main roster following their appearances at John Cena’s retirement show, according to PWInsider’s Mike Johnson.

"Basically, you can expect all the NXT talents that were spotlighted at the John Cena retirement show to be main roster bound sooner than later,” Johnson reported.

The comment comes after WWE announced Je’Von Evans as a “soon to be free agent” during the December 22 episode of Raw. Michael Cole made the announcement as the 21-year-old entered the arena, with Raw General Manager Adam Pearce expressing interest in signing him. Evans defeated Rayo Americano and is expected to join the main roster in 2026.

Trick Williams has already begun his transition, appearing on the December 19 SmackDown as a free agent seeking to sign with a brand. Despite debuting on SmackDown, Williams is not yet officially assigned internally to either brand.

Other NXT stars featured prominently at Saturday Night’s Main Event on December 13 include Oba Femi, Sol Ruca, Joe Hendry, and TNA’s Leon Slater. WWE officials were reportedly “very impressed” with their performances, viewing Femi, Ruca, and Evans as potential future superstars.

The “free agent” strategy allows WWE to showcase these talents on both Raw and SmackDown before making final roster assignments, creating a bidding war storyline between the brands heading into 2026.