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NXT serves as the gateway for the WWE's next generation of superstars, and recently we got a glimpse into the next era for the Black & Gold Brand.
The WWE revealed the next class for the Performance Center this week, announcing nine brand new performers.
Among the newly signed Superstars, which includes a U.S. Army veteran, a champion bodybuilder, an aspiring hip-hop artist, and even ten-year vet Santana Garrett, sits a performer that many have dubbed the future of the business, Austin Theory.
Earlier this summer, Theory competed on Evolve's 10th Anniversary Special, which took place on the WWE Network.
As the Evolve Champion, he battled JD Drake for his WNN Title in a Winner Takes All Match. It was an incredible battle between the two, and a great showcase for the man who would walk out of the show as a dual champion.
"The Unproven One" seems to be destined for greatness at this point. At just the age of 22, he seems to have all the necessary skills down for a Superstar...just like several NXT Superstars who are eagerly awaiting his arrival.
Today, we'll be looking at the five best opponents for the egotistical Evolve Champion. If there's any place that he can prove himself, it's NXT, where a strong mix of industry veterans and hungry young wolves try to earn their spot week in and week out.
If Theory is going to fulfill his prophecy and become one of the greatest Superstars of all time, he'll have to take down the best wrestlers in NXT.
#5 Matt Riddle
Since joining NXT in late 2018, the Original Bro has taken out some of the best competitors on NXT, 205 Live, and WWE. Boasting an incredible resume from his time in the UFC and his stellar run on the indies, Matt Riddle is considered by many to be one of the baddest men in the ring.
Riddle's obnoxiously cocky attitude isn't unwarranted, as he's knocked out or tapped out guys like Kassius Ohno, Drew Gulak, Roderick Strong and even NXT Champion Adam Cole.
The King of Bros may not have won a title yet, but he's incredibly dangerous and seems like the perfect Superstar for Austin Theory to prove himself against.
Theory has spent his entire run at the top of Evolve proving that he is, indeed, the Real Superstar. To knock off the former Evolve Champion would strap a rocket to him, and show those unfamiliar with him in the WWE Universe just how incredible he is.
#4 Kushida
There is no better technician on the NXT roster, maybe the entirety of the WWE, than Kushida. The Ace of the Jrs has only been on NXT for a few months now, but his short tenure has seen him submit Kassius Ohno, Drew Gulak, and Apollo Crews with his patented Hoverboard Lock.
Theory would have a significant size advantage should these two ever match up, but as we've seen before, size isn't everything. And with someone who can take to the skies and target limbs, that advantage is essentially null.
As we've seen recently, Kushida can hang with those who outmatch him in size and strength, so Theory will have to rely on his craftiness and wits, and hopefully, he can avoid being caught in the Hoverboard Lock and capitalize on any missed attacks from the sky.
If the Unproven One can wait out his time and find an opening, he'll be able to do what no one has done yet and push past the Timesplitter on his way to the NXT Championship.
#3 Velveteen Dream
Once I saw Austin Theory, the first thought that crossed my mind was "He's got to face Velveteen Dream." While the majority of this list will test the Evolve Champion's in-ring capabilities, this battle is all about showmanship.
The Vainglorious One has gotten the nod from several top guys in the business. Triple H, Shawn Michaels, even John Cena have all said that Dream is someone special. He has what we call "It." In a few short years, it wouldn't be surprising to see the North American Champion battling for the Intercontinental or even WWE Championship at WrestleMania.
However, the same thing can be said about Theory. Both of these men have stellar mic skills, undeniable charisma, and a knowledge of what it takes to get under the skin of their opponents and the fans. And at such young ages (Theory 22, Dream 23), this could very well be a showdown between the next faces of the entire WWE.
This battle is, as I see it, inevitable. The only question, when we finally get to it, will the Real Superstar knock off the Purple Prince of Pugilism, or will it be Dream Over?
#2 Pete Dunne
The Bruiserweight. The longest reigning modern-day champion in the WWE. Pete Dunne is pound for pound, the toughest competitor in the company. Though he finally lost his UK Championship to Walter at NXT TakeOver: New York, Dunne's resume speaks for himself.
Velveteen Dream, Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly, Tyler Bate, Roderick Strong, Joe Coffey, Zach Gibson, the list goes on. Pete Dunne is a no-nonsense smash-mouth kind of guy that usually does all of his talking in the ring.
Theory is at his best when he's on the mic trying to bring his opponents down, but that's not something that can work against Dunne.
No, when the time comes, Theory will have to put down the mic and show just what he can do inside the squared circle.
And just like Velveteen Dream and the Evolve Champion, Dunne is still quite young, looking to make his own mark on the industry. And he's expected to rise to the top when he eventually finds himself on the main roster.
A fight with Matt Riddle pits you against the best striker on the roster. Kushida, the best technician. Dream gives you an opportunity to showboat and prove what you can do as an entertainer.
But there's nothing fancy with Dunne. There's no special trick to getting past him, it doesn't come down to outmaneuvering or out-wrestling him. No, every fight with Pete Dunne is a brawl. A war. And if these two ever come face to face, Theory will have to come emerge from the dust with his arm raised.
#1 Adam Cole
If anyone's looking to make a name for themselves in NXT, there are few better targets than the men of Undisputed Era. Led by NXT Champion Adam Cole, the fearsome foursome has completely dominated the brand since their formation back in 2017, with all four members holding gold throughout their tenure in the company.
This wouldn't be the first time Theory has dealt with the members of the Undisputed Era either. In fact, he's actually already faced Adam Cole back in May, losing to the Panama City Playboy in a non-title match. However, this only came about after Theory called out the group a month prior, hoping to join them and oust Kyle O'Reilly.
Theory not only retained his championship against O'Reilly, but also managed to beat Roderick Strong in a triple threat for the belt when he initially won it against fellow NXT star Fabian Aichner. With wins like that under his belt, he's proven that he can hang with the Era.
When he does make the jump to NXT, I wouldn't be shocked to see him join the group. However, Theory isn't one to share the spotlight, and may look to take over the group, possibly even kicking Cole out.
