WWE Draft happened on SmackDown and the WWE network and six superstars from NXT were drafted to the main roster. While the elevation of Finn Balor was expected, the omission of Bayley was shocking.
The NXT six have their work cut out for them and many recent examples prove that the transition from NXT to the main roster can be tough.
This list analyses the prospects of the six NXT wrestlers who moved on to Raw or SmackDown after the draft and determines whether their main roster run will be a hit or a flop.
1. Finn Balor
Not only was Finn Balor the first NXT draft pick, he was also in the top 5 overall draft picks for the company – ahead of the likes of John Cena, Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton.
It really shows the faith WWE has in the former Prince Devitt. Balor has earned it as well, with the fans clamouring for his elevation to the main roster ever since he lost the NXT Championship to Samoa Joe.
Balor’s elevation was a foregone conclusion in the Draft and he seems to be the best guy to make a smooth transition to the main roster. NXT audience were in awe of his spectacular Demon entrance and his finisher – ‘The Coupe de Grace’ is not something to be taken lightly.
It also presents the possibility of a feud exploring his Bullet Club roots. WWE already published a Finn Balor DVD last year, for crying out loud.
The stage is set for the Demon to succeed.
Verdict : Hit
2. American Alpha
Even though the American Alpha have dropped the NXT tag team titles. their elevation to the SmackDown brand seems a little premature.
WWE has just recently promoted two tag teams from the developmental territory to the main roster and none of them have been close to dethroning the New Day as the face of the tag team division. Enzo & Cass have some momentum, but it seems like it is going to be a slowly developing storyline.
The Club seems to be the only tag team available on the main roster that can challenge the New Day for the belts and adding Jason Jordan and Chad Gable into the mix so soon might just turn out to be the same line of thinking that resulted in the Vaudevillains and Ascension becoming completely irrelevant.
Verdict : Flop
3. Nia Jax
Will Nia Jax be Sasha Bank’s partner at Battleground?? Most likely – but will she be the next breakout star in the women’s division??
The answer : It is highly unlikely.
Does the women’s division need another Tamina – because that is exactly what Jax is going to be on the main roster : strong, physical and basically useless after the initial sheen wears off. Why wasn’t Bayley promoted instead???
Verdict : Flop
4. Alexa Bliss
Alexa Bliss looks to be the complete package – she has the mic skills, is athletic and has the looks to succeed in the main roster. She had a big role to play in Blake and Murphy getting over with the NXT faithful.
Alexa is just 24 years old and she could be a long term asset for the WWE if used correctly.
Hopefully, she wouldn’t be stuck on SmackDown as a valet to a more prominent wrestler like how Dana Brooke is to Charlotte. It might be too early to give a verdict on Bliss’ main roster performance – but she has the tools to get herself over.
Verdict : Hit
5. Carmella
Enzo and Cass are the only recent NXT addition to the main roster that hasn’t sunk like a rock in water – so what is the next step to elevate the duo? Draft in what made them immensely popular in NXT of course – their valet, Carmella.
So Carmella was drafted over to SmackDown from NXT...... after Enzo & Cass were drafted to Raw!!!!
So basically the most popular tandem in NXT will be on separate shows – so what was the point of bringing Carmella up to the main roster where she basically has to start from scratch again. Considering the fact that the womens’ division is deeper than ever, it might not be the best time for Carmella to take a dip.
Verdict : Flop
6. Mojo Rawley
What can someone whose biggest achievement on NXT was to team up with perennial main roster loser Zack Ryder expect to do on SmackDown???
Mojo Rawley needs to find the answer to this question soon or he will become another underutilised superstar on the main roster. Ryder is challenging Rusev for the US title at Battleground and presumably, he will revive the Hype Bros gimmick with Rawley after the expected loss.
Will tagging with Ryder elevate Rawley?? No way!!
Verdict : Flop
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