5 WWE Wrestlers Who Benefited From An NXT Return (& 5 Who Didn't)

NXT has traditionally been used as a brand to create the stars of the future, whether it be bringing in independent wrestlers to teach them the WWE style or former athletes learning how to bump for the first time. However, over the years the company has also sent more experienced stars back to the developmental brand to try and repackage them or give them different opportunities.

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Sometimes this has benefited a wrestler and allowed them to be given a new lease of life with the company, but that's not always the case. Some wrestlers haven't benefited at all from this opportunity, despite the best efforts of those involved.

10 Benefited: Emma

When Emma was first part of NXT she was busy dancing around and playing a general goofball. It was a fun gimmick and it led to her getting a main roster call up, but that character quickly fizzled out and ultimately saw her return to NXT, which was the right call.

This is where she created her excellent heel character that managed to get plenty of heat and showcased she was a real star. While that gimmick didn't get the chance to shine properly on the main roster, Emma's second NXT run was amazing.

9 Didn't Benefit: Apollo Crews

Apollo Crews kickstarted his career in NXT and flourished, but he ended up being called up to the main roster arguably too soon. He hadn't quite developed a clear personality when he made the move, therefore his run on the main roster didn't end up making much of an impact.

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WWE sent him back to the black and gold brand, and he put together some fantastic matches as he reminded fans just how talented he was inside the ring. However, his return to the main roster has once again led to Crews barely being used, with this not benefiting him.

8 Benefited: Becky Lynch

Becky Lynch recently made her return to NXT, and it's something that benefited her massively as she was able to finally win the one championship that has evaded her, the NXT Women's Championship. Lynch did a great job with the title, mixing it up with lots of underused wrestlers such as Tegan Nox.

Lynch was able to look like a top star, and help other talent including younger wrestlers in NXT, all while bringing a lot of eyes to the weekly show. The ratings were boosted massively by Lynch appearing, proving that it was a beneficial situation for all involved.

7 Didn't Benefit: Charlotte Flair

While Becky Lynch becoming the NXT Women's Champion is something that worked out, the same cannot be said for Charlotte Flair. WWE tried something different by having her win the Royal Rumble to then challenge Rhea Ripley for the title, and that's something that could have been entertaining.

However, that run didn't quite work as it didn't have the impact of helping others or the brand that WWE first thought. A lot of that is down to the fact it was COVID-19, meaning there were no fans to truly relish in all of this.

6 Benefited: Baron Corbin

Baron Corbin has always been heavily featured by WWE from his original run to how he was used on the main roster, and that is currently continuing now he's back on the black and gold brand. The decision to send him back to NXT was a wise one, because it has allowed him to feel fresh while his star power benefits the show.

Corbin was starting to struggle on the main roster, with his partnership alongside JBL not working, despite their ability to get heat. This move has given him a fresh coat of paint and reminded fans how effective he is.

5 Didn't Benefit: Samoa Joe

Samoa Joe's first run in NXT was fantastic, putting together one of the most memorable spells the black and gold brand has ever had. However, the second spell time on the roster didn't work out as well, mainly because thing felt more forced and unnatural.

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Joe had dealt with health complicatinos before this and that stopped him from performing to his highest levels. It wasn't a memorable run, and he then ended up being released, with this period being the weakest point of his WWE journey.

4 Benefited: Mandy Rose

Coming out of Tough Enough, Mandy Rose was very green when she first joined NXT and that was clear within her performances. She only got limited opportunities, but then ended up on the main roster where she had a hit-and-miss career.

WWE's decision to put her back on the third brand was the right call as it led to some amazing moments. She dominated the women's division as NXT Women's Champion, seemingly destined for huge things. Unfortunately, she was released due to her decision to sell private content of herself online, which is a shame as the move was certainly benefiting her.

3 Didn't Benefit: Dana Brooke

Dana Brooke's original run in NXT was enjoyable as her partnership with Emma proved to be effective in gaining heel heat. She was growing as a performer and she showcased potential. On the main roster Brooke got lost in the shuffle, but bringing her back to NXT saw her get more spotlight.

Unfortunately, it didn't benefit her as a performer. While Shawn Michaels was using her regularly when WWE decided to cut talent in 2023 Brooke's name ended up being included, proving that this decision didn't make a positive impact.

2 Benefited: Bray Wyatt

When Bray Wyatt was first involved with NXT it was during the game show version, and he was working as Husky Harris. That was a gimmick that didn't click and always had a limit that he wouldn't have been able to break out of, but his second run in NXT saw it all completely change.

During this time he took a gamble and completely changed his character, becoming the Wyatt that fans know and love. This move helped to create a main event star for WWE, and no doubt benefited him as a performer.

1 Didn't Benefit: Jinder Mahal

Jinder Mahal was involved in NXT very early on in the process of WWE's developmental brand kickstarting, but he also made a return as WWE attempted to repackage him. After his time as WWE Champion and United States Champion came to an end he struggled on the main roster, not making much of an impact.

He ended up becoming a manager, bringing Indus Sher back together, and on NXT they were an entertaining heel group. Mahal was doing well in that role, but WWE decided to bring them all up to the main roster and once again Mahal is struggling again, proving it hasn't worked.