5 Independent wrestlers who should be in WWE within 5 years

The independent wrestling landscape is full of amazing talent just ready to be plucked from indies and highlighted on the kind of big stage WWE can provide. Of course, some independent stars are already receiving accolades, rewards, and are compensated quite well for their work.

Although the talent pool seems to be growing all of the time with WWE alumni returning to their independent roots, there are still a few people that have never really tasted a WWE stage before that are surely in line for such an opportunity.

Some people might groan when they see their favourite independent performer on this list in fear that WWE will do nothing but shackle them with restrictions. But let's not try to disparage WWE and remain as positive as possible as we explore five independent wrestlers who should be in WWE within the next five years

#1 Matt Riddle

Matt Riddle is a former contestant on The Ultimate Fighter and was a standout on the program due to his passion, skill, and the fact he always had a big smile on his face. Although he was eliminated from UFC's reality television show he was given a contract anyway.

Riddle currently has a record of eight wins and three losses in MMA competition and now he's taking on pro wrestling with a gusto few have seen before. He's a natural in the ring and displays the ability of a man with ten years of veteran experience under their belt already.

The only thing Riddle might have against him is his size. But thanks to trailblazers before him like CM Punk and Daniel Bryan, the WWE isn't the big man exclusive game it once was.

Therefore, it wouldn't be surprising at all to see this guy under the WWE umbrella soon enough. He also said that he would love to retire Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania! That would be some statement if it actually happens!

#2 Keith Lee

When you're talking about raw power and animalistic agility you've got to consider a guy like Keith Lee to round out your list of people who have "it." Lee is not only a great tag team wrestler but he can stand out on his own as well.

After quitting college football to become a pro wrestler, this 6 foot 3 inches, the 332-pound beast took ROH by storm. He's currently appearing for PWG, Evolve, and The Crash where people love to chant his name in his general direction with much enthusiasm.

Due to his size, he seems like the kind of athlete Vince McMahon dreams about during the three hours a night when he actually gets to sleep.

If Keith Lee were to wind up in NXT it might not take very much time at all before he is sitting in a very comfortable position on either main roster television show.

#3 Tessa Blanchard

Tessa Blanchard has had a taste of WWE before. She's appeared on NXT in losing efforts to Nia Jax, Alexa Bliss, and Carmella. She later went on to compete in the first round of Mae Young Classic where she lost a stunning match to Kairi Sane. But there's no shame in losing to the person who goes on and wins the whole tournament.

This third-generation wrestler, the daughter of Tully Blanchard has all the tools she needs to excel in the pro wrestling business. Blanchard has taken the independent wrestling scene by storm and has plenty of options.

When I had a chance to speak to Tessa Blanchard in September she told me she'd like to go back to Japan eventually. But the world is Blanchard's for the taking at this point as the 22-year-old girl with pro wrestling running through her veins has an entire career of great matches ahead of her.

Therefore, it would only make sense if her road leads to WWE sooner or later where she is sure to be a stand out performer.

#4 Jeff Cobb

There is a reason why so many people from PWG are on this list, that's because Pro Wrestling Guerrilla has some of the best independent wrestling on the planet. Jeff Cobb is currently one-half of PWG's World Tag Team Champions alongside Matt Riddle who's also on this list.

But Cobb is actually on television right now on a fairly regular basis. You might recognize him without his mask when he competes as Matanza Cueto on Lucha Underground.

The former Olympian represented Guam in the 2004 Olympic Games where he competed in freestyle wrestling. He didn't fare too well in the Olympics, but he's been a natural in the pro wrestling ring so far.

Due to his incredible size, history, training, and skill WWE needs to pay attention to this guy and it wouldn't be surprising if he's already on their radar. All they need to do is wait out his Lucha Underground contract at this point and Jeff Cobb might be a WWE Superstar before we know it.

#5 Ricochet

At the speed pro wrestling runs at nowadays, Ricochet might very well be under the WWE umbrella by the time you're reading this.

Ricochet was Prince Puma in Lucha Underground but that contract has since expired. Now it looks like this incredible pro wrestler just might be the hottest free agent in the world today (sorry, not sorry John Cena).

As the weeks go by everyone is paying attention to see if Ricochet makes an appearance at the WWE Performance Center. He currently lives in the area with his girlfriend, Tessa Blanchard anyway. She's also on this list, therefore it wouldn't be surprising at all to see this pro wrestling power couple make some kind of jump together if the timing's right.

Ricochet's matches against Will Ospreay have been nothing short of mind-blowing. Truth be told, Ospreay really should be on this list too but WWE's recent cease and desist letter to the British highflyer might have thrown a monkey wrench into those plans.

However, Ricochet seems ready to take his skills to a much bigger stage and it could happen anytime now at this point.

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