At the same time the Iconic duo, Ember Moon, Nikki Cross are better than the 5 girls they called up. Kairi's English is her one drawback but besides that she's better too.
It's almost as if they're punishing the girls still in NXT for actually being good.
Ehh, I think it's more a result of NXT needing to function as a brand on its own. If you call up Nikki, Ember, and the Iconic Duo right now, what women could take their place at the top of the division? They'd be right back where they were last year when they lost everyone except Asuka, only this time it would be Kairi in her spot.
As much as I would liked for the Iconic Duo to come up (and think they're both ready; including Billie, who most shyt on), I do understand wanting to hang on to a money act until you have someone ready to fill their spot.
Like I said earlier, the women they called up are basically those they knew they weren't going to use for much.