2027 NXT Championship Outlook: Three Rising Stars Set to Claim the Title

As is the case each year, the WWE NXT roster underwent numerous changes in 2026, with several new signings and departures across the brand.

Many NXT alumni who have made a significant impact on Raw and SmackDown this year—such as Oba Femi, Trick Williams, and Jacy Jayne—left NXT after having held the NXT Championship at least once.

While not every performer needs to achieve that level of success in NXT to become a top star on the main roster, it often serves as a strong indicator of a WWE superstar’s future trajectory.

Examining the current NXT roster reveals several promising candidates who could break out and reach the pinnacle of the division in 2027.

Below are three talents who appear poised to capture the NXT Championship next year:

Zilla Fatu

Zilla Fatu has arguably been WWE NXT’s most exciting new arrival of 2026. While much of the buzz surrounding him stems from his family name, his potential as part of The Bloodline is only part of the story.

In just three years in professional wrestling, Zilla has displayed undeniable charisma and confidence both on the microphone and in the ring.

Already regarded as a future main‑roster star, his next logical step is to reach the top of NXT and become the first member of his family to win the brand’s premier title.

Cruz Montana

Cruz Montana arrived weeks before Zilla Fatu and quickly became another exciting addition to NXT’s men’s roster, helping to fill the void left by Ethan Page, Joe Hendry, and Ricky Saints.

When he debuted, Montana’s primary goal was to dethrone Tony D’Angelo for the NXT Championship, but like Fatu, he has shifted focus away from the title picture over the past few months.

A feud with Dion Lennox has proved to be a smart creative move for WWE, allowing Montana to showcase vulnerability by discussing his personal struggles and the road he’s traveled to reach this point in his career.

Despite facing stiff competition, Montana remains one of the most reliable prospects to capture the NXT Championship in 2027.

Zaria

NXT Women’s North American Champion Zaria is emerging as a strong contender to win her first NXT Women’s Championship in 2027, whether she’s appearing as a new arrival or a familiar face on Tuesday nights.

Now entering her second year in WWE NXT, Zaria has portrayed both heroic and villainous personas and has competed in singles matches as well as a tag team alongside Sol Ruca.

Although Sol Ruca never captured the NXT Women’s Title despite being one of WWE’s brightest young stars, WWE may follow a similar pattern with Zaria by promoting her before she reaches the brand’s top prize.

Given her readiness for a move to Raw or SmackDown, and considering the high number of call‑ups this year, WWE would be wise to allow Zaria to conclude her NXT Women’s North American Championship reign before she ascends to the brand’s premier title in 2027.

Source link