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For those of you who are not familiar with NXT, it is a weekly hour-long wrestling show put on by WWE. Even though it is owned by WWE, it is not treated like the rest of the WWE universe. Some people might like NXT to a high-level minor league in baseball.
The difference is the quality of wrestling on NXT is sometimes as good if not better than what you see on Raw or Smackdown. However, those shows are considered by many as the main roster because they have far more exposure, so fans are often left wondering when their favourite NXT superstars will make the jump to either Raw or Smackdown.
These 5 superstars are the most likely to end up on the main roster before the end of 2018.
#5 Drew McIntyre
This is an easy one to predict. Unlike his current NXT counterparts, Drew McIntyre has already had a lengthy tenure on the WWE main roster. While his first time around in the main roster saw him win the Intercontinental title and the tag team titles one time each. Dispute those achievements McIntyre's first run was largely unimpressive. By the time he ended his run with WWE, Drew McIntyre was a member of the forgettable faction 3MB.
After McIntyre left WWE, he went back to work as an independent wrestler. He used this time to hone his craft and get better. He wrestled for various organizations including becoming the world champion for Impact Wrestling(formerly TNA). McIntyre finally re-signed with the WWE in early 2017. When he did he was immediately named as part of the NXT roster. Since then he has won the NXT title and has become one of the biggest names on the roster. I think we will see McIntyre sooner rather than later after losing the NXT title back in November.
#4 The Authors of Pain
Since arriving on the scene on NXT back in 2016, the Authors of Pain have been impressive. It only takes one look to see that they are physically impressive. Both Rezar and Akam stand over 6 feet 2 inches tall and weigh a combined 630 pounds. At their size, the speed at which they move in the ring is very impressive. In their debut year, the AoP won both the Dusty Rhodes Invitational and the NXT tag team titles. In addition to that, they have also become a big part of the NXT roster which is highlighted by being in the main events of NXT Takeover: Chicago and NXT Takeover: Wargames.
The timing is right for the Authors of Pain to make the move from the NXT roster to either Raw or Smackdown Live. The AoP have done pretty much everything there is for them to do in NXT. NXT has created and developed more tag teams over the last year or so, and is still in good shape if the AoP were to leave today. Also, the Raw and Smackdown rosters need them more than NXT right now. Smackdown is currently trying to create more tag teams and develop them. Raw, on the other hand, has suffered some setbacks in that division this year in losing The New Day, and the injuries of Jeff Hardy and the Revival. That is why moving the Authors of Pain to Monday Night Raw would be the best decision right now.
They can run roughshod over the likes of Shield, The Bar and other teams en route to the Raw Tag Team titles that they need to win at any cost.
#3 Aleister Black
Since appearing on NXT Aleister Black has been NXT's man of mystery. His strikes and unorthodox style along with his mysterious persona has made him unforgettable. While he has not yet received a title shot, he has been a focal point of NXT seemingly since arriving. This is highlighted by his most recent rivalry with the Velveteen Dream.
I believe Black should remain in NXT for a good chunk of 2018. While he is very intriguing right now, he still could use more time in NXT to develop his persona. More high profile matches in NXT will only help him grow his name more. Hopefully by the time late 2018 rolls around the fans will be clamouring for Black to be on either Raw or Smackdown.
#2 Ember Moon
Ember Moon is a unique case, in that, she could stay on the NXT roster until the end of next year or move on to Raw or Smackdown today and either way it would be a good move. Ember Moon has been one of the spotlighted superstars in the NXT women's division since her debut. She was arguably Asuka's best opponent since Asuka came to WWE. Which is an accomplishment in itself. Back in November, Moon finally won the NXT Women's Championship in a fatal four-way match.
It would make sense to have Moon keep the title for a while on NXT. Even though Ember Moon isn't the only attraction in the NXT women's division(Nikki Cross, Kari Sane, Peyton Royce, and Billie Kay just to name a few) she still brings legitimacy to that title. Even though Ember Moon is a great in-ring competitor and would be great on either show, now is not a great time for her to move to Raw or Smackdown Live. Raw and Smackdown have both recently added 3 women each to their rosters. Absolution on Raw and the Riott Squad on Smackdown Live. I think Moon is going to be on the main roster sooner or later but would be best served to wait until after Wrestlemania, at least.
#1 Adam Cole
Of all the people on this list, Adam Cole has been in NXT the shortest. However, Adam Cole is one of the rare cases of a superstar making a name for themselves before they get to the WWE. Adam Cole made a name for himself in the independents and mainly Ring of Honor. His last year was his biggest as he became ROH champion and more importantly, part of the Bullet Club. Cole debuted in NXT in August when he joined forces with Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Riley and created the Undisputed Era.
Adam Cole needs to stay with the Undisputed Era on NXT for a while. Undisputed Era have been off to a great start in NXT making a lot of noise. Including attacking multiple superstars on their first night on NXT and winning the first Wargames match in over 20 years. On the other hand, Adam Cole could be a shot in the arm to either Raw or Smackdown Live if used properly. Right now Cole is better served to stay on NXT, but a move to the main roster(maybe after SummerSlam or Survivor Series) is inevitable.
