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NXT UK is one of WWE's hidden gems. A roster of up-and-coming talent that, if developed correctly, could give other brands a much-needed boost. In 2021, we saw NXT UK stars such as Piper Niven, Pete Dunne and Imperium move up the ranks within the organization.
As we look ahead to 2022, there are several more with NXT UK that could help add fresh matches to either SmackDown or RAW. But more specifically NXT 2.0, a brand focused on developing younger talent. Here are the NXT UK stars that quickly rise to the top of the list.
5. Former NXT UK Tag Team Wrestler, Kenny Williams
At the beginning of 2021, Kenny Williams was part of a mid-card tag team with Amir Jordan. The team saw moderate success, with several shots at the NXT UK tag team titles. Since the decision was made not to give them the championships, the team reached a ceiling.It was time for Williams and Jordan to part ways. Since doing so, Jordan has not resurfaced, but Williams has assumed a heel persona and is steadily moving up the ranks. He's doing what he can to generate actual heel heat and is not trying to be the bad guy that gets cheered.
Looking at the NXT 2.0 landscape, he would be a natural fit, either as a singles act, or perhaps with a heel such as Grayson Waller. The future looks bright for Williams, as he's a rising star, even if that path is outside the WWE universe.
4. NXT UK Women's Star, Jinny
Jinny has been a mainstay since the NXT UK brand's inception. She's been utilized in several mid-card and main event programs, where she's consistently excelled. The main NXT U.S. brand has always prided itself on a strong women's division. The list of talent that has gone on to do big things is quite long. But now the brand finds itself in a place where it needs to rebuild. Slowly but surely they are doing so with the likes of Toxic Attraction, Io Shirai and Raquel Gonzalez.
Jinny would not only add some much-needed heel talent to the brand, but her "Fashionista" character would quickly help her stand out. It would be natural to match her against former nemesis Kay Lee Ray, who has just started her NXT 2.0 run.
3. Former NXT UK Tag Team Champions, Pretty Deadly
With Pretty Deadly recently losing the NXT UK Tag Team Championship to Mustache Mountain, it would seem the duo are ready for a move. NXT 2.0 will be the likely destination. NXT 2.0 is one of the only brands within WWE that dedicates a fair amount of time to tag team wrestling. The issue is that it's usually the same teams facing each other, and the teams that are new are very green.
Pretty Deadly could enter the title picture and offer main event level matches. This gives the younger teams a chance to match against a duo that has experience at the top.
2. Nina Samuels
Nina Samuels has been another NXT UK mainstay. Samuels has slowly built herself to not only be a good hand in the ring, but a compelling character on the microphone. Admittedly, though she's been booked more regularly in backstage segments as of late, she can easily fit into a solid program as needed. In fact, one of the main issues is that they've likely done all they can do with her on the UK side.
Similar to Jinny, she would add fresh talent to a rebuilding women's division. Nina couldserve as a title contender or someone positioned on the upper mid-card that helps set up the next big women's title match.
1. Former NXT UK Heavyweight Champion, WALTER
This one is a no-brainer. WALTER has been one of the longest reigning champions in WWE in recent history. His straightforward "black tights and black boots" approach has made him one of the top attractions in NXT UK.
With his partners in Imperium already a regular mainstay in NXT 2.0, it is only natural that he joins them to once again lead the faction. It looks like they're going to put the NXT Championship on Bronn Breakker early in the new year. WALTER would immediately be a top contender upon joining the brand.
