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WWE Main Roster Newcomer Not Considered A Franchise Star

By John Canton • Published Jan 09, 2026 13:05 EST
WWE Logo Blur JeVon Evans

A new WWE backstage report suggests that an NXT wrestler joining the main roster isn’t considered a potential franchise star.

The beginning of 2026 has seen some of NXT’s biggest names join the WWE main roster. Trick Williams and Jordynne Grace have already joined SmackDown, while Je’Von Evans officially signed his contract to join the Raw roster in a segment that aired on television this week.

Oba Femi successfully defended the NXT Championship against TNA’s Leon Slater this past Tuesday. After the match, Femi kissed the NXT Title and left it in the ring, while going to the backstage area.

It has been reported that Femi is likely going to join the WWE Raw brand, and there are reports that he could be featured heavily at WrestleMania 42, with Brock Lesnar’s name mentioned as a possible opponent.

As a former 2-time NXT Champion, Femi is considered a bigger star than Evans, who didn’t hold a championship in NXT despite being one of the most popular wrestlers on the brand.

WWE Officials View Oba Femi And Je’Von Evans Differently

Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reports that, while Femi is considered a franchise star in WWE, company officials don’t see Evans the same way.

“Same way with Evans winning the fan voting that Femi by all rights should have won based on positioning, but they still see Femi as a top guy and Evans as a guy who can be a star, but not a franchise star.”

The good news for Evans is that he’s just 21 years old, so as long as he continues to impress, he could certainly be seen as a bigger star in the future. At 27, Oba Femi is also considered young in WWE and has a bright future.

Regarding the NXT Championship, it’s considered vacant for now.