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Feb 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cody Rhodes enters the arena during the WWE Undisputed Championship match during the WWE Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

WWE To Truly Showcase Younger Men’s Division Talent In 2026?

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Terrence Edwards | Last updated Dec 12, 2025 2:52 PM ET

The WWE universe has been clamoring for the showcasing of younger talent on the main stage, particularly in the men’s division. There was a huge opportunity for that with John Cena’s upcoming final match at Saturday Night’s Main Event, but WWE went with two-time world champion Gunther. While that decision is perhaps disappointing, at least younger stars are on the card. This event will likely be the biggest of the year, at least in terms of viewership. SNME could be just the beginning, as newer talent looks to solidify themselves heading into 2026.

Young OG Versus Phenomenal Veteran

At SNME, tag team champions AJ Styles and Dragon Lee will be taking on Je’Von Evans and Leon Slater in a non-title match. While Lee and Slater are also younger talents looking to shine on the big stage, The Young OG, Evans, is probably due for the big push. He made multiple in-ring appearances on SmackDown this year and was in attendance on the most recent episode of Raw. The crowd always seems to get behind him, regardless of which show he appears on.

The older generation helping newer talent get over is great to see, especially since this is not always the case. The almost 30-year veteran Styles, who also may be retiring sooner than later, is one of the most accomplished stars in the industry. Styles stated previously that he loves working with younger WWE talent because they are always eager and ready to learn. Evans absolutely seems to fit that bill, and it should help make for an exciting contest at SNME.

The Ruler Versus The American Nightmare

The Ruler, Oba Femi, has future world champion written all over him. At SNME, he will clash with the current Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes. Many fans wanted Femi to be Cena’s final opponent, as that match could have served as the launching point for Femi’s promotion to the main roster. Facing Rhodes is probably the next best thing, however, as he is arguably the face of WWE currently.

After defeating Ricky Saints to regain the NXT Championship and earn the shot at Rhodes, Femi warned the American Nightmare of what he would be up against. The future of the WWE is now in Femi’s eyes, and he plans to prove that this Saturday at SNME.

Vision Fulfilled To Start 2026?

Feb 1, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Bron Breakker during the Men’s Royal Rumble match during the WWE Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

SNME may be the sign of what is to come, but the official takeover of the new generation could start on the first Raw of 2026. Bron Breakker is looking to become the first World Heavyweight Champion born in the 1990s by defeating CM Punk. Breakker fired multiple shots at Punk this past Monday, setting the stage for a highly emotional battle. After begging to face the old version of the Best in the World, Breakker not only promised to take Punk’s title, but something much more precious.

I’m gonna destroy you. I’m gonna send you to the hospital. I’m gonna Bron-Break you. I’m gonna take your World Heavyweight Championship, and hell, you know what? While I’m at it, I’ll take your wife too.

That promo went from shots fired to grenades thrown! Once a person brings the wife into the equation, the time for talk is over. Punk will now surely want to brawl with Breakker before their title fight, making the match that much more intriguing. If Breakker pins Punk again, as he did at WarGames (albeit with help from the masked man), he could solidify himself as the present and future of the WWE.

End Of My WWE Rant

Many WWE fans are anxious to see more men’s division NXT stars called to the main roster and have a legit run. What we have seen mostly throughout the year is a few teases here and there, but nothing really sustained. Talents such as Femi, Evans, Ethan Page, and Trick Williams have gained momentum in 2025 and are chomping at the bit for their shot on either Raw or SmackDown.

Being moved up is only half the battle, though, as we have seen some young stars underutilized and poorly booked. Carmelo Hayes is the name that comes to mind for many, as it feels at times that management is wasting his talent. Since winning the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal back in April, there has not been much to speak of regarding Hayes.

Hopefully, the SNME showcase, combined with Breakker’s world title shot, serves as the beginning of something special. There is plenty of rising talent in WWE, but they can only be as good as the booking.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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