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We are just two weeks away from the biggest party of the summer, SummerSlam. This year the event shall once again be held at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn, New York, on August 19th.
Over the past few years, the WWE has gotten accustomed to have NXT Superstars being called up to the main roster following the WWE's "Big 4" PPV events; and this year is going to be no different.
Following SummerSlam, a few NXT Superstars are expected to move up to either RAW or SmackDown. While Superstars like Aleister Black, Kassius Ohno, and Lars Sullivan seem ready to move up to the main roster as they have nothing left to prove on the yellow brand, there are others who are yet to achieve the same.
These Superstars would better off by staying back in WWE's developmental brand either because they aren't ready for the main roster; or since they are yet to reach their full potential in NXT; or for another reason altogether.
So, with that being said, here are five NXT Superstars who shouldn't be called up to the main roster following SummerSlam--
#5 The Velveteen Dream
The Velveteen Dream is one of the charismatic Superstars to have ever stepped inside an NXT ring. The former WWE Tough Enough contestant is a living example of how hard work and dedication to one's craft can do wonders for one's career.
The Velveteen Dream's mannerisms and character work are second to none, on the current NXT roster.
After debuting his Prince-inspired 'Velveteen Dream' character, the man who was formerly known by his real name, Patrick Clark, has put forth excellent matches against the likes of Aleister Black, Kassuis Ohno, Ricochet and Johnny Gargano just to name a few. His feud against Black last year was adjudged the feud of the year at the NXT Year End Awards.
With such charisma and character depth, one would hope for The Dream to debut on the main roster as soon as possible, but one has to keep in mind that the man is only 22 years old, and still has a lot to prove in NXT.
It would be criminal to move The Dream up to the main roster without him winning any championships on the yellow brand--and for this reason alone, it makes sense that the WWE should pass on the idea of having The Velveteen Dream debut on the main roster following SummerSlam.
#4 Ricochet
One of the best high-flying wrestlers on the planet, Ricochet finally signed with the WWE in January of this year, and was seen in the crowd during NXT Takeover: Philadelphia around the time of the Royal Rumble match.
Ricochet was the standout performer in the historic 6-man ladder match at NXT Takeover: New Orleans--a match which was awarded five stars by veteran pro-wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
Since then, Ricochet has gone on to have an excellent feud with The Velveteen Dream which culminated at NXT Takeover: Chicago II in what was undoubtedly the match of the night. He is currently feuding with the leader of The Undisputed Era, Adam Cole and will lock horns with the "Panama City Playboy" for the NXT North American Championship at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn IV on August 18.
A superstar like Ricochet is destined to be a top attraction in the WWE, however, the fact remains that having just started out in NXT, the former "Prince Puma" still has a lot to achieve in the brand. He could possibly go on to win the NXT Championship too, which could happen by the end of this year.
Until then, he must stay put in one of the hottest brands in all of professional wrestling.
#3 Nikki Cross
Nikki Cross of one of the best female performers in NXT today. The former member of Sanity has a character which is drastically different from others, and that in turn, makes her stand out from the rest of the pack in the NXT Women's division.
The NXT Women's division has had to bear the brunt of some of the prominent faces being called up to the main roster prematurely, after every big PPV event.
With Superstars like The IIconics (Billie Kay & Peyton Royce), Ember Moon, Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan and Ruby Riott moving the main roster, Cross has filled in for the departed Superstars quite well. While she hasn't won the NXT Women's Championship as of yet, despite having gotten multiple opportunities to capture the same, the belief is that she will be winning it in the near future.
With rumors of Sanity's twisted sister joining her Sanity brothers on SmackDown going around, and the Scotswoman working a few SmackDown live events about a month ago--it makes sense that the company shouldn't be rushing things with Cross at the moment. She is a very good singles star and the NXT Women's division cannot afford to lose her at this point of time, especially given how shallow the division already is.
#2 The Undisputed Era
The Undisputed Era is one of the best things in NXT today. After debuting as a group at NXT Takeover: Brooklyn III last summer, the stable comprising Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly, Bobby Fish and Roderick Strong has dominated the entire division winning championships left, right and center.
Within one year of their debut, the group has already held the NXT Tag Championships twice, won the 3rd annual Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic and the NXT North American Championship. The Undisputed Era seems to always be ahead of their competition, as was proven during their tag team title defense at NXT Takeover: New Orleans--where the group prevailed against all odds to not only retain their tag championships, but also win the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic.
It, therefore, would be a huge travesty if the WWE were to break up this group and put its members on separate brands on the main roster. The Undisputed Era has a lot to conquer in NXT, including the NXT Championship which is the only title that has evaded the group's grasp in NXT.
#1 Johnny Gargano
The longest-tenured NXT Superstar on this list, Johnny Wrestling's NXT career has been a roller-coaster ride.
From forming a tag team with his best friend and winning the tag titles; to getting stabbed in the back by said friend; to having a thrilling feud with him; to getting insanely close to winning the NXT Championship--Gargano has had one of the best runs in NXT history.
In fact, he has become such an integral part of the brand, that it is impossible to imagine NXT as we've come to know it, without Johnny Wrestling. One of the truest babyfaces of this generation, the Ohio-native has recently started showing signs of moving to the dark side following his match against friend-turned-rival Tomasso Ciampa at NXT Takeover: Chicago II.
He has adopted a more aggressive style which was evident in his win against EC3 on the July 4th episode of NXT. Gargano also--seemingly in an unintentional manner--helped his arch nemesis Tomasso Ciampa capture the NXT title by hitting the then-champion Aleister Black with the championship belt.
Things have boiled down to such a point where fans were booing Gargano and chanting "You Deserve It" when Black hit him with the Black Mass finisher, on a recent episode of NXT.
Being the heart and soul of the brand over the past six months, Gargano shouldn't be leaving NXT without winning the big one. Winning the NXT Championship will not only give Gargano his first singles championship in the WWE, but it shall also cement his position as one of the greatest NXT Superstars of all time.
