WWE Stars Ready for a Massive Push in Second Half of 2025

After a lackluster Night of Champions premium live event, the WWE Universe has shifted its attention to SummerSlam and which Superstars should be in line for a massive push in the second half of 2025.

While the typical names will remain at the top of the card—John Cena, Cody Rhodes and Rhea Ripley—there are a plethora of talented performers ready for better booking, including Drew McIntyre, Stephanie Vaquer and Karrion Kross.

Here are the performers who will shine brightest to end the year.

Drew McIntyre

Former world champion Drew McIntyre has been out of action since he took a loss to Damian Priest in a steel cage match at Saturday Night's Main Event on May 24.

After playing a secondary role during WrestleMania 41 season, it's time for the Scot to return to the main event scene.

In 2024, McIntyre was involved in one of WWE's best recent feuds, pitting him against CM Punk.

The problem for Triple H and WWE Creative has been their follow-up, which left The Scottish Warrior feuding with Sami Zayn in a lackluster storyline.

Since then, McIntyre has been embroiled in several midcard programs against the likes of Jimmy Uso and LA Knight, as well as his latest return to fighting Priest. While every match has been really well done, the angles surrounding them don't do enough to get fans interested.

After the two-time WWE champion made his triumphant return on SmackDown, he should be booked as the second biggest heel in the company behind John Cena.

When Cena eventually turns face and retires, that should be WWE's chance to put McIntyre back on top.

Stephanie Vaquer

While Shawn Michaels has struggled mightily with the men's divisions in NXT, the women have flourished, becoming a major highlight of the show each week.

One of the top stars to come through the brand in recent years is Stephanie Vaquer.

After a short stint in NXT as a dual champion, La Primera has been given a larger role on the main roster and has run with it. With marquee matchups against Rhea Ripley, Asuka, Iyo Sky and others on the horizon, the former NXT women's champion is ready for a push to the main event.

Not only did Vaquer thrive in the Queen of the Ring tournament against some of the best WWE had to offer, but she also acted as an ambassador for the company during the AAA collaboration, Worlds Collide 2025.

For the rest of the year, Triple H and WWE Creative should strap the rocket to the Chilean's back, pushing her as a top challenger on Raw or SmackDown. Eventually, she should win a world title on the main roster and dominate as a face until she turns heel and fully realizes her potential.

Karrion Kross

Few wrestlers have gotten themselves over with fans as much as Karrion Kross has over the last six months.

After a massive reaction for him in Saudi Arabia during Night of Champions, it's time for Triple H and WWE Creative to take notice.

Kross didn't wrestle his first televised match in 2025 until mid-April, but his backstage segments, in which he tries to turn popular faces to the dark side, became beloved by fans who watch weekly.

With each passing segment, Kross has enticed fans more and more, growing organic support for his character despite WWE putting little time or effort into it. Eventually, the company cannot ignore it anymore and must push him up the card.

Expect Kross to win a secondary championship by the end of 2025.

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