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It's no secret that WWE's main programming has seen better days. Week-after-week, ticket sales are dropping and it appears overall interest in the product has plummeted to a historic low that we haven't seen in years.
Some blame it on the 2016 brand-split, suggesting that the angle has run its course. Others may say there's simply a lack of quality content and that the writing is suffering. No matter how you look at it, it is obvious that there is indeed a problem.
So, how can is problem be solved? How much longer will WWE Superstars perform in half-empty venues? Well, that answer may not be as complicated as it may seem.
NXT is and has been thriving since the day it launched and took over FCW as the sole developmental brand for WWE in 2012. Even with the weekly NXT program airing only on the WWE Network, fans are still dialed in and invested into the program. The Yellow Brand doesn't have near the star power that its big brothers RAW and SmackDown currently have, yet it still seems to have it together.
With this said, are there any current NXT stars who could potentially become major Superstars on the main roster? You better believe it! In fact, there are some who could go sooner, rather than later. Let's take a look at the top 5 stars of NXT that could revive the main roster.
#5 Lars Sullivan
He's big, he's mean and he's quickly turning heads every single time he steps into a ring. Lars Sullivan formerly billed under his birth name of Dylan Miley, is a freakish competitor who comes to NXT with absolutely zero professional wrestling experience. In fact, very little is even known about Lars, but one thing is certain, he is a monster. He has even been called by many as the next Brock Lesnar!
Since arriving in late 2014, Lars has truly adapted well and over the past year or so, Sullivan has really come full circle. What is most impressive about Lars is his monstrous presence. Standing 6'3", Lars tips the scales at just over 300 pounds of pure muscle. Another impressive feature is the size of this guys paws. His hands are easily the size of a frying pan.
If WWE officials are looking to add the freak factor to the roster, Lars Sullivan is quickly on his way to being ready for the jump!
#4 SAnitY
Over the last year and a half, Eric Young has primed his degenerate band of misfits and put them in a place where they can be destructive from multiple angles, or simply run right through everyone.
SAnitY currently consists of four individuals who each have more than enough potential to succeed alone, in singles competition, or just as they have been, as one destructive, cohesive unit. These guys are relentless, methodical and very unpredictable. Their unique style could potentially give the WWE Universe something fresh and very entertaining to look forward to.
#3 Authors of Pain
The first time I saw Akam and Rezar, I was very impressed with their initial look and overall in-ring presence. However, the newly formed duo lacked one important factor.....experience. With that said, both had extensive backgrounds in various other combat sports, including MMA and kickboxing. Their athletic background would definitely prove to be a huge help in getting the future tag champs on the right track.
Probably the best thing to happen to The Authors of Pain was their partnership with Paul Ellering. "Precious Paul" is and always will be one of the greatest managers in the history of professional wrestling. His success with The Road Warriors alone will always be the standard by which tag teams strive to achieve.
Combine the progress that Akam and Rezar have made collectively, along with the genius mindset of Precious Paul Ellering, and this gives The Authors of Pain an edge that could lead them straight to tag team title contention on WWE's highest level.
#2 The Undisputed Era
For quite some time there were rumors running absolutely wild regarding Adam Cole and his imminent jump to the WWE. However, many independent wrestling purists considered such talk to be comical and that Cole would never compromise his comfortable seat atop the indie ranks.
Well, money talks, folks.
Not only did Vince and crew land one of the hottest free agents in the world, but they also snagged one of top tag teams on the planet, reDRagon. Now that these three have joined forces, they have begun picking apart the NXT roster, on their way to total dominance of the yellow brand.
Adam Cole could one day be THE guy on the WWE main roster. Cole has faced and defeated many top wrestlers outside of the WWE. Now he is ready to take the next step and prove to everyone that The Undisputed Era is more than just a few indie darlings.
#1 Drew McIntyre
If there has ever been one individual in the sport of professional wrestling who truly deserves to make it to the very top of the profession, it is Drew McIntyre.
Once upon a time, Vince McMahon himself introduced Drew McIntyre to the WWE Universe as "The Chosen One." In fact, Vince would go as far as to say Drew was "a future WWE World Champion."
Needless to say, things fell apart at some point and before you knew it, Drew went from the penthouse, straight to the outhouse, playing the air guitar with Jinder Mahal and Heath Slater. Talk about a fall from grace!
As we all now know, Drew was released by WWE in June of 2014. After spending roughly seven years with the top company in the industry and being dubbed by the Chairman as "The Chosen One," many would have used this as a time to walk away in self-pity. Not this Scottish scrapper. Drew would go on to succeed any and everywhere he was given the chance to perform.
After dominating overseas and coming back to claim the top prize in Impact Wrestling, McIntyre was eventually welcomed back with open arms by Vince and company. Since returning, Drew has taken the top spot in NXT, as the current NXT Champion, Drew McIntyre will soon be ready to return back to the bright lights and big stage of the main roster. Only this time, maybe he will be taken a little more seriously.
