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On July 11th, 2013 WWE opened their own training facility/school, called the Performance Centre. The over 26,000 square foot facility includes several training rings. In its four-plus years of operation, they have developed a number of men and women into incredible performers and didn't simply focus on their in-ring skill, but the development of their character and the ability to deliver a promo that would convince an audience. It is imperative for their talent to be able to demonstrate what it takes to succeed in order to be elevated to the next level.
A great deal of time and effort goes into the development of trainees, consisting of preparation for both those that are unfamiliar to professional wrestling and those who are simply unfamiliar with the WWE style of wrestling. Who are the trainees that fans should keep an eye out for, and who can they anticipate becoming something more than simply trainees? Here are five names to keep an eye on at the WWE's Performance Centre.
#5 Bianca Belair
While someone's hair wouldn't normally be considered a lethal weapon that is what Belair's long locks are referred to as being. Her ascent up the ranks in the Performance Centre and NXT has been nothing short of remarkable. For those that haven't seen her before, or unfamiliar with her career pursuits to this point, Belair has an athletic background as a track and field athlete, along with being a powerlifter and CrossFit competitor. Despite having intercostal chondritis (which is causes one's ribs to shift out of alignment) she has continued to push forward in her development.
Fans may have caught a glimpse of her when she competed in the inaugural Mae Young Classic, and she has appeared a few times on NXT televised programming. While Belair could be called a late bloomer, do not mistake her commencing her career in her late twenties as anything other than simply waiting for the right time and the right place for her. She stands to be a threat to all her competition, as she has just over a year's worth of experience and has already been on television. This wouldn't happen if management didn't see something special in her. Keep an eye out for Belair.
#4 Ronda Rousey
Her name is arguably the biggest in UFC, and indeed all of MMA. However, Rousey's anticipated transition from the MMA world into WWE has seen some rather interesting events along the way. Many recall her appearances at Wrestlemania, and in the crowd at the inaugural Mae Young Classic, but weren't sure what other things were in store for her. Well, over the past few months Rousey has appeared in front of WWE cameras several times, most recently during the finals of the Mae Young Classic in support of her Four Horsewomen teammate Shayna Baszler.
She doesn't look the part, but could easily rip apart anyone and everyone in her path on her way to becoming a women's champion. She already brings name value much like Ken Shamrock did when he joined WWE during the Attitude era. She is an immediate threat based on her past accomplishments alone and is someone that fans will have a hard time ignoring. Watch for her to elevate her value during her time in WWE's Performance Centre.
#3 Abbey Laith
If you hadn't heard the name before, or haven't seen her very much on television, the former Kimber Lee is someone that will work her opponents to the ground and take them out. A former trainee of WWE Cruiserweight Drew Gulak, Laith has reinvented her look and style. Much like current Smackdown Live competitor Ruby Riott, she has wrestled all over the world and faced the best in the world in doing so. Most recently she took part in the Mae Young Classic, advancing to the second round.
She is a trusted competitor that has been valued for everything she has done while honing her craft in the WWE's Performance centre. Her strength and overall development is something that stands out most about her, as she is further along than a number of trainees may be at this point. It is only a matter of time before she becomes someone fans are able to see on a regular basis as part of the NXT brand, and as an active member of the women's roster.
#2 Chad Lail
He is a massive man whose skill in the ring is rivalled by his presence in front of the camera. The name Chad Lail may not ring any bells, but the name ‘Gunner' may resonate more. Before signing on with WWE, Lail earned a name for himself as part of the TNA Impact Wrestling roster.
Some may not know that Lail served as part of the United States Marine Corp, and actually fought in the Iraq war. While he is in his mid-thirties, he continues to develop his skills and hone his craft as part of NXT. After walking away from the ring for a couple of years, Lail returned in the spring of 2017, joining the NXT brand and competing as part of their live events. To date, he hasn't appeared on camera, but he is poised to show fans just how talented he is when given the chance. He is certainly someone fans should keep an eye out for, someone who may soon move beyond the Performance Centre.
#1 Donavan Dijak
He stands over 6 feet 6 inches tall and moves like a cruiserweight. Donovan Dijak has earned a reputation competing in promotions such as Ring of Honor but is now part of WWE's NXT brand. While fans may not have seen him on television yet that isn't to say that he isn't being groomed to be on the televised program shortly. Dijak joined the NXT's performance centre in the fall of 2017, but so far little has been shared about what he will be doing and where he will be moving forward.
Speculation that has circulated among fans has been that he may join the Undisputed Era faction, as part of the Ring of Honor contingent that has made up that group. He is incredibly articulate, and dangerous in the ring. Dijak is surely someone that WWE wants to have appeared at the right time and in the right place. Where will he debut? It isn't certain, however, when he does appear, fans that haven't seen him compete will not be able to ignore this giant of an individual. Think of Big Cass, with an already established pedigree and greater mobility.
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