WWE may already be changing plans for several of its newest developmental recruits despite publicly unveiling their identities earlier this week.
Fightful Select reports that the WWE NXT recruits who have not debuted yet will likely receive different names than the ones WWE publicly announced.
That means some of the newest Performance Center additions could still undergo another identity change before appearing regularly on NXT television. WWE recently introduced Marie Malenko as “Lacey Simon,” along with Mason Rook, Nicole Martinez, and Marcus Brown as part of its latest recruit class.
Malenko’s signing stood out because she is the daughter of wrestling legend Dean Malenko. She had already gained experience before joining WWE, including competing in Japan for Pro Wrestling NOAH after attending a WWE tryout earlier this year.
Mason Rook has already appeared on NXT television, while Nicole Martinez, known to some indie wrestling fans as Nikki Blackheart, worked a dark match before this week’s NXT. Marcus Brown joins the system from the bodybuilding world after previously participating in a WWE tryout.
This report suggests WWE may still be finalizing branding and character plans for several of these recruits. Publicly announced names do not always end up being the names talent use once they officially debut, and that appears to be the case with at least some members of this class.
WWE is clearly continuing to build out its developmental pipeline, but fans may need to wait a little longer before learning the final ring names these recruits will use on NXT programming.
Do you think WWE should let new recruits keep their announced names, or is it better to give them fresh identities before they debut? Share your thoughts and feedback in the comments.
