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NXT has a somewhat infamous record when it comes to talent. They become stars in developmental and then inevitably lose some or all of what made them special in the so-called minor leagues when they get under Vince McMahon's thumb on the main roster. It's a tragic situation that no doubt has been integral in creating the problems the company currently faces.
WWE is in desperate need of stars. Its fast-falling ratings demand that a new approach be taken, and while NXT has a number of prospects (Matt Riddle being the most prominent right now), but I'm going to take a look at the longest-term investments that the company can make, the ones that are under 30 and so can do the most over the long run for the company.
#5 Toni Storm
I was on the Toni Storm hype train a year ago, but I've just been underwhelmed the more I've seen of her. Neither her Mae Young Classic run nor her NXT UK title reign have exactly set the world on fire. I'd prefer to put Io Shirai here, but with Toni Storm's look and English being Shirai's second language, Storm will have a higher ceiling as long as Vince McMahon is in charge of the company.
Storm probably won't be a constant main event fixture despite her look - she just doesn't have the charisma or the character, but she'll get a liberal amount of title shots and a number of championship reigns thanks to her look and the strength of her work in the ring. Whenever she comes to the main roster, she'll be a solid upper mid-carder who occasionally comes into the main event.
At only 23, time will be on her side. She'll be able to make her mark in whatever capacity she's in for years to come.
#4 Pete Dunne
Pete Dunne has just come off a 685-day title reign and while his feud with WALTER is continuing, it's really only a matter of time before he goes to the main roster.
At 25 years old and with an incredible match resume to his name, there's no reason that Pete Dunne shouldn't succeed. He's on the smaller side, but he has a gritty presence and ring style that's almost reminiscent of Daniel Craig's performances as James Bond.
Pete Dunne isn't the best talker in the world and lacks a certain larger than life characteristic, but he's well-suited to be one of the stalwarts in the upper mid-card. The potential match combinations with the likes of Buddy Murphy, Ali, and Andrade, for example, are incredible, and he should get the occasional world title shot once he is on the main roster.
For a long time to come, Pete Dunne will be a standout.
#3 Adam Cole
Adam Cole will turn 30 this summer, but technically, he's still in his 20's, so he's listed here. It won't be that much longer before he's on the main roster. Although it feels like this has been said countless times only for us to be disappointed, his future should be bright there.
Adam Cole has charisma and is an excellent talker and ring worker. The one thing he does lack, however, is size, which will probably hamper his ability to be a constant main event feature in the company. He doesn't scream "larger than life presence."
Still, Adam Cole should be a solid upper mid-card heel with occasional forays into the main event and perhaps a world title reign or two. With the Undisputed Era, his act will be that much more solid. WWE lacks credible factions these days and could use one or two of them.
#2 Rhea Ripley
More than any other woman in developmental, Rhea Ripley has that "it" factor. She was one of the shining stars in the women's Royal Rumble match in January, looking more legitimate than almost any of the other women in her very first main roster appearance. Truly, she's been one of the most improved performers, male or female, to come into the WWE system in the past couple of years.
Ripley has an undeniable presence and charisma about her and plays her character to perfection. And she's only 22.
Her ring work has improved but could use some more work. She'll get there, though, and in many ways, it's the least important thing compared to what she already has in spades.
When Rhea Ripley gets to the main roster, she's going to be a big deal for many years to come. Multiple title reigns will be in order.
#1 Velveteen Dream
Stand in awe of the Dream's brilliant light!
Velveteen Dream exploded onto the scene in late 2017 with one of the feuds of the decade against Aleister Black and hasn't looked back since. He has quickly evolved into one of, if not the, most complete performer in WWE. He is now, by a considerable margin, the most charismatic guy the company has, a great talker, and an excellent in-ring performer as well.
And he's only 23! He hasn't even come close to reaching his ceiling yet!
Most important of all, Dream has a unique, larger than life presence that can't be easily replicated. With him, there isn't much room for error. He can either fail spectacularly or succeed spectacularly. He has that once in a generation talent vibe to him, the ability to be the "next big thing" in WWE - the next face of the franchise. Figures no less prominent than John Cena, Hulk Hogan, Triple H, and Shawn Michaels have said as much.
In an era so devoid of star power, he's exactly the star that WWE needs. If there's anyone to build around, it's him.
The big question is whether or not Vince McMahon will "get it". There isn't much reason to be optimistic, but for the future of his company, he might have no choice but to try. He can't expect to coast on mega TV deals the next time those contracts come up for renewal if his ratings keep declining this quickly.
