The dynamic of NXT has changed dramatically over the last few years, with it starting off as a place to nurture and build the future stars of tomorrow. Whilst that is still true to an extent, there are many more established names from the independent scene than there used to be.
That isn't necessarily an issue, and if anything the brand has continued to grow as time has gone on.
But the recent roster is one of the thinnest that they've had in a long time, which is saying something when you consider that there are still a number of guys who should be considered future World Champions on the main roster. No matter what shape, size or age they are, these guys look destined to break into that main event picture once they're given the opportunity.
It won't be easy, as we all know, but the brand split makes it all the more likely that these five will succeed and thrive. Whether they'd prefer to make the move to Raw or SmackDown Live is anyone's guess, but what can be guaranteed is that they will give their hearts and souls to the company, which is something that should always be considered when looking towards future Champions.
With that said, let's take a look at five NXT superstars who will become WWE or Universal Champion.
#1 Bobby Roode
Glorious. The one word to describe Bobby Roode and his unbelievable rise to the top of the NXT mountain. The current NXT Champion looks set to be one of the biggest stars the promotion has ever seen, and you have to believe that the former TNA original will go on to crash the main event seen on Raw or SmackDown Live one day. It just seems inevitable.
He has the look, the experience, the in-ring talent and everything else required to make his run in WWE an overwhelming success. We can see Roode getting called up sometime around Survivor Series 2017, if not sooner, depending on how worried WWE is about his age.
Who knows, maybe he could create history and win the WWE Championship on his first night. Onto the man that Roode defeated for the strap.
#2 Shinsuke Nakamura
Shinsuke Nakamura seems destined for greatness and that's much more fact than fiction at this point. His run in NXT thus far has proven what a hot commodity he really is, and moving forward it seems like it's only a matter of time before he finally makes the step up onto the main roster. After all, he's done pretty much everything he can down in NXT.
Nakamura could have great matches with everyone on the main roster, and we mean literally everyone. The Japanese Superstar could be built up as an unstoppable monster, which is fitting, considering he's one of the best all-rounded talents to walk through the doors of WWE in a long time. Just imagine him toppling Lesnar or Cena for the title - magical.
Onto a more unlikely option from the mysterious land of Birmingham.
#3 Pete Dunne
Pete Dunne is potentially the most talented guy to come out of the WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament. The Bruiserweight's hard-hitting style has grabbed the attention of many fans around the world, and many were shocked that he didn't walk away with the title. Nevertheless, Dunne could end up going one better in the years to come.
At the age of just 24, Dunne has a long road ahead of him in this business and he has no limitations whatsoever. His style can work in any kind of main event format, and he can build a stable around himself in order to properly get him over as one of the top heels in the company. Honestly, it's surprising that WWE hasn’t already sent him up.
From the UK to an American hero of sorts.
#4 Johnny Gargano
Johnny Wrestling is one of the best talents NXT has seen in a long time. Although he is currently occupied with his #DIY tag team alongside Ciampa, there will come a day when Gargano will have to go it alone and what a day that will be. The guy is charismatic, great in the ring and possesses that natural charm that you just can't buy in this business.
Nothing seems to slow him down and he's one of the most marketable guys that WWE has had at its disposal in years. He can wrestle a number of different styles and we could easily see him as an underdog Universal or WWE Champion, even if it's only a short-lived reign.
Either way, WWE needs to send Gargano up immediately, following the inevitable feud with his current partner. We conclude with a recent and unorthodox member of the NXT family.
#5 Killian Dain
Killian Dain, also known as Big Damo, is the muscle behind Sanity in case you didn't know. The Scottish man mountain is one of the most intimidating figures in all of WWE, and you really could work wonders with him on the main roster. As a dominant heel or no-nonsense tweener, the fans would definitely get behind a guy who has one goal - destruction.
It doesn't matter who steps in Dain's way because he will run them over, and that kind of tactic can definitely take him as far as the Universal Championship. Just imagine the potential of a feud between him and Strowman.
Dain would show no fear and his unusual look could work wonders for him during a New Era where appearance doesn't mean quite as much, in comparison to overall talent.
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