5 Superstars who have been in NXT for too long and could move to the WWE main roster

When WWE announced that it was launching (or re-launching) the NXT brand in 2012, the idea behind it was to build homegrown talent in order to find the next big star or future Wrestlemania headliners. The Florida facility, overseen by Triple H, was supposed to be a talent factory - and for the most part, this really has been the case successes of NXT are numerous.

The list of names that have gone on to dominate on the main roster reads like like a who's who of professional wrestling in 2019: Samoa Joe, Finn Balor, Alexa Bliss, Bayley, Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair, Corey Graves, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Nikki Cross, Heavy Machinery, The Viking Raiders, and Nia Jax.

NXT has been a very big success and has achieved what it was supposed to do all those years ago.

But, there are always exceptions to the rule.

While I don't dispute that the five wrestlers featured here are incredibly talented and have bright futures ahead of them, you can't deny that they've been in WWE's developmental system for far too long and have, essentially, outstayed their welcome.

All they might need is a push to the main roster or even a stint on 205 Live or Main Event, but to stay in NXT this long, while other, younger and fresher talents wait in the wings doesn't seem fair to any of the the superstars in question, the future superstars or the fans who are constantly on the lookout for fresh stars.

Whether it's being called up to the main roster, or being sent to pastures new, it's time to look at five wrestlers who have been in NXT for far too long...

#1 Aliyah

Aliyah has been in NXT longer than pretty much anybody on the roster.

The Toronto, Canada-native, who is of Syrian and Iraqi descent, joined the facility in 2015, after just two years of experience on the independent circuit.

The 24-year-old's win-loss record leaves much to be desired, and she has seemingly been content to make the odd appearance, without pulling up too many trees.

Her recent teaming with Vanessa Borne, while a little awkward at times, has revitalized her career, but it doesn't seem like she'll really be pushed any further than an NXT mid-card slot at best.

She has, to her credit, had one main roster match - on Smackdown two years ago - in a losing effort against Carmella.

Given her long stint in developmental, with not much sign of ever being called up properly, surely her spot could be better utilised by another up-and-coming superstar?

#2 Tino Sabbatelli

Poor Tino Sabbatelli.

The immensely talented Florida-born 35-year-old hasn't had much luck since he swapped American football for NXT back in 2014.

The former Tampa Bay Buccaneer's run with the company hasn't been the most successful, but it has also been plagued by constant injuries, including a concussion before he had even made his television debut.

But, from the few appearances he has made, you can't deny that he has stood out - he proved that he is far from just a musclehead.

Despite his injuries, Tino's NXT coaches have high hopes for him - but those injuries also make him a liability.

If, however, he can overcome that - and with the right help, it's possible - I could see him being called up to the main roster and being used as a Chris Master-type gimmick. His impressive mic skills should also push him further than most would assume.

Tino, I'm rooting for you!

#3 Dakota Kai

Honestly, she's incredibly talented, great on the microphone and can sell better than 99% of the main roster.

Her all-out, kicks-based style is a real crowd-pleaser, and she is technically excellent in the ring.

Even WWE.com can't help but praise her.

"The kick-happy Kiwi perfected her striking ability on the international independent scene for years, competing from Australasia to Japan, before joining the WWE Performance Center in 2017. Now a member of the NXT and NXT UK rosters, Kai looks to build upon her already-impressive resume, one kick at a time."

So why is she still in developmental after four years?

You would think that given Shawn Michaels and Triple H are so incredibly high on her that she would have been called up by now.

Give the New Zealander a chance on Smackdown. Let her kick the heads off of everyone she comes into contact with.

She is a future star, who needs to be unleashed upon the world.

Or, maybe HHH and HBK know what happens to a lot of female NXT stars who aren't the 4 horsewomen. Hence why the current NXT women's champion Shayna Baszler also remains in NXT despite being head and shoulders above the rest of the women's roster on Raw, Smackdown and NXT.

#TeamKick4Life

#4 Taynara Conti

There is something about the 24-year-old Brazilian I don't understand - why is she so angry, like, all the time?

She joined NXT in and has only made sporadic appearances ever since.2016,

Has she stood out from the crowd in those appearances, or attempted to grasp the brass ring? In my opinion, no.

There is no doubting that the black belt in judo (and a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu) has talent, but does she have enough to succeed in NXT, or on the bigger stage of WWE?

Unfortunately for her, I fear not.

Having had no experience in a squared circle of any kind before 2016, it would do the Rio-native no harm in leaving NXT to try her hand in smaller promotions such as Shimmer, ROH or even IMPACT.

She has the raw talent but needs to prove she can do something with it.

#5 Kona Reeves

Kona Reeves is only 27-years-old.

He trained under Afa Anoa'i and has had the world's greatest wrestling facility at his fingertips since 2014.

Yet, he's had two gimmicks and hasn't made either of them work. And he's lost far more matches than he's won.

But somehow he was ranked as the 324th best singles wrestler on the planet by PWI500 last year.

Even the WWE.com editors have portrayed him in a heelish light.

Three years into his tenure in NXT, the once-humble Hawaiian Superstar underwent a transformation and began proclaiming himself the “Finest Superstar in NXT.” Now sporting gold chains and the luxurious, flowing locks of a movie star, Reeves is about as materialistic and conceited as any one person can be.

I do think that Kona would succeed in a different country, possibly Japan where he could revitalise himself like Juice Robinson. But there comes a time where everyone needs a fresh start, and for Kona, I think that time is now.

Who do you think should be moved up or out from NXT? Let us know in the comments.