WWESecond-generation talent instantly draws attention, though it also invites intense scrutiny. WWE’s recent debut of Zilla Fatu, son of the late Umaga, showcases the potential for immediate impact as he eyes the NXT Championship in his first match. Legends such as Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Charlotte Flair have already proven the appeal of inherited wrestling legacies, and several promising second‑generation athletes are positioning themselves for WWE debuts. Below we examine a handful of emerging stars who could soon join the roster.
Marie Malenko (Kenzie)
Lacey Simon (Marie Malenko) was confirmed as a new WWE Performance Center signee alongside Mason Rook, Reina Volcan & Marcus Brown
In May, WWE added four prospects to its Performance Center, including Mason Rook and Reina Volcán, both of whom have already broken through on NXT. Among the signings was Lacey Simon, known in‑ring as Marie Malenko and the daughter of legendary technician Dean Malenko. Recent reports confirm that Malenko will wrestle under the ring name ‘Kenzie,’ marking the final step before her WWE television debut.
Joseph Chavis
The son of WWE legend Tatanka was at a recent WWE tryout
During WWE’s latest tryout sessions, Joseph Chavis—son of WWE legend Tatanka—impressed scouts with his dynamic performance. The former football player is now training at the WWE Performance Center under the guidance of Nattie, TJ Wilson, and Jacob Fatu. Shawn Michaels later highlighted his progress, saying, “Tatanka’s son was at one of our last tryouts. He did a really good job, so I’m excited to see the progression of that young man once he comes in the doors.”
“Tatanka’s son was at one of our last tryouts. He did a really good job, so I’m excited to see the progression of that young man once he comes in the doors.”
Avery Styles
Avery Styles officially signed with TNA Wrestling at Lockdown
Avery Styles, son of the legendary ‘Phenomenal One,’ signed his first professional wrestling contract with TNA Wrestling at the recent Lockdown event. Prior to that, Styles trained at the WWE Performance Center, working alongside other second‑generation talent such as Nattie, TJ Wilson, and Jacob Fatu. The collaboration between TNA and WWE positions him for a potential crossover appearance on WWE programming before the year’s end, making a WWE debut seem imminent.
Thamiko Fatu
Thamiko Fatu is another son of WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi, making him brothers with the Usos and Solo Sikoa
Thamiko Fatu, yet another son of WWE Hall of Famer Rikishi and brother to The Usos and Solo Sikoa, continues to generate buzz following Zilla Fatu’s NXT debut. Like his siblings, Thamiko has been competing on the independent circuit, fueling speculation that he could soon join the Bloodline on WWE television. Given the Fatu surname and his experience, a WWE roster addition for Thamiko appears likely.
Elijah Holyfield
Elijah Holyfield is the son of former boxing world champion Evander Holyfield.
Elijah Holyfield, son of legendary boxer Evander Holyfield, brings a high‑profile name to the wrestling world despite not hailing from a wrestling family. Though not yet on NXT television, Holyfield has been active on the independent circuit and participated in WWE LFG. In a recent LFG segment, Shawn Michaels indicated that Holyfield could soon pursue opportunities in AAA, suggesting an imminent WWE or NXT debut.
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