5 NXT stars we would like to see on RAW or Smackdown Live in 2018

Over the past few years, WWE's developmental brand NXT has been a breeding ground for talent. They have brought in independent wrestlers, or people from other sports and athletic endeavours, and harnessed their skills and helped to elevate them to a whole new level.

The NXT faithful have always been responsive to these men and women and recognise that this is where the next ones are coming from. Kevin Owens, Seth Rollins, Big E, The Wyatt Family, Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, Aiden English, Rusev, Shinsuke Nakamura and more all came into the brand, elevated the value of the promotion, and were then brought to the main roster and given even greater exposure.

However, as the year is set to turn, and doubtless a number of talented stars are set to move to the main roster, one has to hope that certain names are brought to the forefront. Who are some NXT performers that fans would want to see? Which ones stand out based on their showing on the brand? Here are five NXT stars we'd like to see added to Raw or Smackdown Live in 2018.

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#5 Roderick Strong

Strong has achieved all he can do in NXT. What does the future hold for the messiah of the backbreaker?

A former Ring of Honor triple-crown champion, Strong's time in NXT has seen him compete in main events and be part of some memorable moments over the past year. One of the most notable things to mention about Strong is how truly capable he is in the ring. His strait-laced and no-nonsense manner gives no inkling of his deceptive, skilful array of moves, which could otherwise go overlooked.

Whether or not he becomes the NXT champion isn't significant. What is important is that he continues to be used in meaningful matches and has his character continue to develop during his time with the brand. Strong would be another welcome addition on either Smackdown Live or Raw. He could be part of the RAW roster, perhaps part of the 205 Live roster, and they could do with him what they didn't do effectively with Austin Aries. Fans could be witness to someone that is able to be both an effective heel or face provided the opportunity.

Roderick Strong's main roster debut has seemingly been confirmed, with him participating in the 16-man Cruiserweight Championship tournament

#4 Velveteen Dream

After an extraordinary 2017, Dream would make a unique addition to either roster.

If there was ever a character that has evolved it is Patrick Clark. Now competing under the moniker of Velveteen Dream, the former Tough Enough contestant has come a long way since his time in the reality-based competition. Those that have seen Velveteen Dream might say he is a Goldust for a new generation. While not necessarily androgynous, he appears to have taken from one persona, added in a splice of Prince with his ring attire and fondness for purple, and elevated his in-ring skills along the way.

While the character may have initially met with mixed results, by the end of his match at the final recent NXT Takeover of 2017, fans were loudly chanting his name. Despite losing to Aleister Black, Velveteen Dream impressed all those watching with his performance. When Black welcomed Dream into infamy, it certainly signified a graduation of sorts for the young talent. How long before he appears on either Raw or Smackdown Live? It could be within the next year.

#3 Adam Cole

Cole would certainly someone fans would come to love as he develops?

After trying out for WWE a couple of times in his career, he has finally arrived. With an undeniable character and an incredible in-ring presence, Adam Cole is destined for great things in NXT. Since his arrival in the Summer of 2017, Cole has made himself known. Aligned with Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly, Cole has led the charge as part of a new era that will run the brand, and all roads to success go through them.

He has a natural charm and ability on the mic that makes him more refined than anyone else on the brand. How long can this type of talent and skill remain on the smaller show, before his time comes and he's put on a bigger platform? Fans aren't entirely sure, but having him as part of either Raw or Smackdown Live even by the end of 2018 would show that they are committed to making him into a bigger star. Upon his arrival, fans can be sure that he will make an impact, with many calling Cole a guaranteed future world champion; the only question is when will he transition to the main roster?

#2 Aleister Black

Black has run through everyone and anyone that has crossed his path.

The dark Dutchman has carved a path throughout NXT since his arrival. In NXT, Black has continually impressed fans who were unaware of his past, not to mention those behind the scenes, with his continued evolution in the ring. He has been committed to his character, often not uttering a word and remaining silent and vigilant.

A standout from his debut match against current NXT champion Andrade Almas to his most recent featured match at NXT Takeover: War Games against the Velveteen Dream, Black appears destined to be a focal point for the brand.

With 2018 upon us, it would most fitting that Aleister Black be used on either Raw or Smackdown Live as a featured performer. His height and size mean he would be a part of the featured part of Raw or Smackdown Live, rather than on 205 Live. He said Velveteen Dream's name, but how soon before his name is said on either Monday or Tuesday nights?

#1 Authors of Pain

The AOP would fit in very nicely on either brand as former tag team champions.

With their look and size, and their development under the tutelage of Paul Ellering, Akam and Rezar have been a threat throughout their time in NXT. Winners of the Dusty Rhodes Classic and then the NXT tag team championships, both men proved that they are a force to be reckoned with. While other tag teams may be big in size and stature, these two also have Ellering guiding the way for them.

They have had incredible matches against DIY and The Revival during their time in NXT, and an impactful feud with Sanity that may have ended at NXT Takeover: War Games. It is only a matter of time before they are moved out of NXT, and they are certainly a team that will benefit from being on either Raw or Smackdown Live. They are immediate game changers with their in-ring talent and presence, a presence much like that of the Road Warriors. One can only imagine the destruction these two will cause on either Monday or Tuesday nights.

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