For quite some time now WWE has used its nXt brand as a sort of farm system for its main rosters on Smackdown and Raw. Initially, the show started as a reality answer to their previous endeavor Tough Enough. Which saw indie wrestlers doing stupid things while being trained by current talent. In some cases, the indie guy would be saddled with a less talented superstar. Here’s lookin’ at you Miz. Now though it is a full-fledged show with its championships and feuds. From the very first champion, Seth Rollins to its first multi-time champion (and current Smackdown! Live debutante) Shinsuke Nakamura. Let’s take a look at the who’s who waiting for the call-up and even where we think they might fit in.
Double Trouble
5. #DiY
The duo of Tomasso Chiampa and Johnny Gargano have more than proven they can handle themselves in the squared circle. Putting on two Match of the Year candidates in 2016 against arguably the best tag team in the world The Revival they have even carried lesser talent to serviceable contests. If ANY roster could use him I’d be the Smackdown! Live tag division which is virtually devoid of anything interesting…unless you count the Fashion Police. With their blend fast and furious strikes and uncanny ability to make wrestling a wet paper bag look good, there can be no denying their skills. I believe this despite their recent breakup up at *spoiler alert* NXT Takeover: Chicago.
A Glorious Ascension
4. Bobby Roode
The current NXT champion is a man who has been to the top everywhere he’s ever wrestled. A skilled villain who will use anything and everything at his disposal to assure his success. There’s a legitamacy to everything the NXT Champion does. From his Ric Flair for the dramatics entrance and ridiculously good theme music, it feels legit whenever this dude shows up. With credentials like his and the legacy and big-time feel he possesses there’s literally nothing stopping “The Glorious One” from making his way to Raw and making his way up the card. Imagine Rollins v Roode, Balor v Roode, even Reigns v Roode to give Bobby some face cheers.
Gunna Be a Blackout!
3. Aleister Black
Whenever this guy arrives in the arena it feels like a big deal. The Dutch Destroyer feels like the biggest star in the world. When that opener to his theme hits and that Incendiary begins to fill the place its time! They’ve booked his Black Mass spin kick strong having his opponents drop like a sack of potatoes when hit with it. He fills a void in an area of “badass” that can just rip through your roster. Some may say he’s a bit undersized but not really he’s 6 foot tall and 205 lbs. I’ll, of course, need to see a bit more out of Black to assure that my initial eye test isn’t just deception.
inSAnitY Rises
2. SAnitY
With the promotion of this great stable you sure up a lot of things. You have an instant middle to upper card heel who can work anyone. You get a monstrously talented females superstar with the potential to run with either belt. And lastly, we have in Killian Dane and Alexander Wolfe a very good tag team that is not only huge physically but for dudes, that size can work powerhouse matches against the likes of Sheamus and Cesaro and fast paced matches with guys like Breezango and American Alpha. Having said that I think they have a place on Smackdown…running the whole show into the ground in the most wonderful way.
The Empress of Tomorrow, The Future of the Females
1. Asuka
Only one champion in NXT can claim to be the most dominating entity in their division and that is “The Empress of Tomorrow” Asuka. Since coming to NXT she’s looked like a star and works like one too. In a similar vein to her countryman Shinsuke Nakamura I think Asuka can, and so far has been booked really strong despite her limited skills with the English language. Everything about her screams top star. Her over the top entrance complete with robe and mask, her air of superiority and especially her devastating Asuka Lock. Look at any of her matches since her debut and you’ll see a monster swimming with guppies. Even when she was the challenger against the reigning champion Bayley she felt destined for victory. Pull the trigger on this WWE, it won’t matter what show she’s on it’ll be Asuka’s show, because if she’s proven anything it’s that her catchphrase is correct. Nobody is ready for Asuka!
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