The WWE’s Next in Line (NIL) program, designed to bring top NCAA athletes into the world of professional wrestling, has recently witnessed both departures and arrivals. The program, which offers a pathway for college athletes to transition into the WWE, has seen one of its high-profile signees, Greg Kerkvliet, opt out of pursuing a career in the WWE in favor of returning to his alma mater, Pennsylvania State University.
Kerkvliet, a 285-pound freestyle wrestler and four-time All-American, announced his decision via Instagram, stating that he will return to PSU for a fifth year to help his team secure a four-peat in the NCAA men’s freestyle wrestling championships. This move comes as a surprise, given Kerkvliet’s impressive credentials, which include twice the number of All-American honors as former Universal Champion Brock Lesnar.
On the other hand, the WWE NIL program has welcomed new talent, including Oba Femi, who is currently the North American title holder on the NXT brand. Femi’s success is a testament to the program’s ability to identify and develop top athletes into future superstars.
Meanwhile, another NCAA athlete, Peyton Prussin, has teased her imminent arrival in the WWE. The NAIA wrestling sensation has changed her social media handles to Kendal Grey, her soon-to-be ring name, and has sent a warning to the NXT Women’s locker room through a tweet that showcases her impressive wrestling skills. Prussin’s arrival is highly anticipated, and fans are eager to see how she will fare in the territory of Roxanne Perez and other female NXT Superstars.
The WWE’s NIL program continues to generate excitement, offering a platform for top athletes to transition into the world of professional wrestling. While Kerkvliet’s departure may come as a surprise, the arrival of new talent like Femi and Prussin is a promising sign for the future of the WWE. As the program continues to evolve, fans can expect to see more exciting developments in professional wrestling.
