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WWE's former developmental program has evolved into its own entity, with critics regularly praising it as superior to the 'main' brands of Raw and Smackdown Live. Here are five wrestlers who will be leaving NXT in the near future, and five who won't be going anywhere.
Recently, Triple H was quoted as saying that NXT is equal to Raw and Smackdown Live. The Game seemed intent on defending NXT both as its own entity and the WWE brand in general.
"Over the last few years, in some ways, NXT has changed a little bit of what Raw and SmackDown do. Look at the women's revolution. I believe that there was a moment in time where fans were chanting 'Give Divas a chance' because they were seeing what could be on NXT and that transitioned forward. I think that's great.
"Anything that can push something to be better, to evolve and to become something more is a great opportunity to do that. People will often put labels on what it is. Is NXT a little bit of 'old school territory' or 'indie this or that?' I don't know. To me, I just go, 'Is it good or not?' You can put whatever label on it you want."
Bold words from Triple H, who for all intents and purposes is the next in line for Vince McMahon's throne. With the Game's assessment in mind, let's look at ten superstars. Half will be called to the 'main' roster, and half are staying right where they are.
Staying: Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly.
The former ReDragon and current ROH tag champs, the ROH-honed O'Reilly and Fish bring a great deal of tag team prestige wherever they go.
Their hard-hitting 'strong' style fits right in with the rest of the NXT roster, and their wrestling ability is second to none. Right now, their best bet is to stay right where they are at, and continue to learn the WWE style of wrestling while churning out stellar performances.
Leaving: Aleister Black
Black has a lot of things going for him. One is his unique look. He draws attention to himself just by showing up.
Another asset is his martial arts ability and stiff striking, which have already drawn comparisons to Shinsuke Nakamura. But perhaps most compelling of all is his aura of mystique and charisma. Many have compared Black to a young Undertaker.
The only thing standing in his way is poor English. Delivering promos will never be his strong suit. However, he would be a great fit for 205 Live, where the in-ring action is king. Or he could be assigned a manager in the vein of the late Paul Bearer, who could do the talking for him.
In any event, at 32 years old, Black is aging past his prime and if the WWE wants to use him now is the time. Royal Rumble debut you say?
Staying: Nikki Cross
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The Scottish Psychopath has proven her chops, competing with Asuka in a brutal Last Woman Standing match and holding her own as the only female member of Sanity.
Possessing a deep moveset, and more than willing to go hardcore, Nikki is a different kind of women's wrestler. While the time may come where her uniqueness would be appreciated on Raw or Smackdown Live, the truth is for the time being the best place to ply her talents is on the NXT brand.
Leaving: The Authors of Pain
The Authors of pain have wreaked havoc since their debut on the NXT brand. In fact, they've been so dominant they may be victims of their own success. With so many of the tag teams on NXT being smaller sized, they have already run through most of the division.
Management has been impressed with the Authors of Pain, and rumour has it they may make their debut during the Royal Rumble match.
Staying: Adam Cole, bay-bay
From ROH Champion to Bullet Club Leader, Adam Cole has already had a stellar career. Now that he's in the WWE, fans may salivate for Cole vs. Styles, or Cole vs. John Cena, but the truth is that isn't likely to happen soon.
Cole still needs to learn the more television-oriented style of wrestling which the WWE prefers, and his look may be too generic for the main roster. But NXT is a perfect fit, and just the right place for Cole to shine.
Leaving: Drew McIntyre
Bad luck ended a great return run for McIntyre as he was injured in a losing effort to Andrade Almas. It seems he will be on the shelf for several months, possibly most of the year.
When Drew makes his comeback, it will likely not be on NXT. Drew is on the large side for an NXT grappler and everyone knows that Vince McMahon is high on him. After the painful surgery and rehab, Drew might make a brief return to get his receipt on Cien but he likely won't be staying long after that.
Staying: Ember Moon
The acrobatic Ember Moon always delights audiences with her outrageous performances and is the reigning NXT women's champion as of this writing. While many are quick to point out her quick rise to the top, it's important to note the role that Ember Moon will play for the WWE.
With Asuka departing after a long, triumphant undefeated run, NXT needs a new figurehead for its women's division. While Kairi Sane and Shayna Bayzler might seem like they would fit this role--and they would--Ember has the longest tenure, and the WWE is very high on her even if she is somewhat accident prone in the ring.
Ember will remain in NXT for the time being and will be the ambassador of that brand for women's wrestling.
Leaving: Killian Dain
The big man was impressive at NXT's Takeover: Wargames, and has seemed unstoppable as part of Sanity.
Dain is rumoured to be part of the Royal Rumble match this year. One can only assume it's because they are grooming him for a spot on Raw or Smackdown. He could move to the Raw brand and feud with fellow monster Braun Strowman, or to Smackdown as a foil for Randy Orton.
Staying: Andrade "Cien" Almas
The high flying sensation failed to make a splash in his initial debut, but now that he's been assigned Zelina Vega as a manager, he seems to have a new lease on life.
Andrade shocked the world when he captured the NXT title from Drew McIntyre at Takeover. As the current champion, he is staying put in NXT for at least the time being, and will likely remain there for the rest of the year as he is groomed to be the top heel in the brand.
Leaving: Eric Young
Eric Young is one of the most recognizable wrestlers worldwide on the NXT roster. The former TNA champion has been a lock as the leader of the Sanity stable.
All good things must come to an end, however, and as Young hovers near the big four zero, the WWE has to know if they want to use him on the main roster it's now or never.
Young not only brings stellar, old school wrestling to the table, he is also one of the most charismatic stars the sport has ever produced. Look for him to assume a Chris Jericho type of role and feuding with established stars like AJ Styles or Roman Reigns.
There you have it: Five NXT wrestlers who are staying put, and five who may leave soon.
