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Gone are the days when competitors in WWE had to spend their entire careers fighting to achieve greatness. With an influx of younger talent and others breaking into the scene through the Performance Center, a plethora of WWE superstars have managed to accomplish fame at a quite young age.
Superstars like Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton won their first World Titles before turning 30 and since then have become top superstars of the company. Even today, a few wrestlers like Tyler Bate and Alexa Bliss amongst others have made a name for themselves early in their careers.
Here are five such superstars who, despite being young, are talented enough to carry WWE on their shoulders in the time to come.
Honourable Mention: Tyler Bate, Sasha Banks
#5 Andrade "Cien" Almas (28)
Before becoming the unmasked version of himself in Andrade "Cien" Almas, the third generation superstar wrestled for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) from 2007 until 2015 under the ring name La Sombra (Spanish for "The Shadow"). His time in NXT can be classified into two categories- an overlooked performer and a great heel NXT Champion.
Despite not being the most efficient mic worker, his in-ring work is one of the best on the roster with an unmistakable inherent skill for the family trade.
Gargano praised Almas' abilities post their 5-star match at Takeover: Philadelphia.
I can’t say enough good things about Andrade Cien Almas. I think for someone who worked with a mask his entire career to be in the spot he’s in and to be doing what he’s doing, I think he’s so talented. So when you two guys like that willing to leave everything in the ring I think that makes the magic happen. It’s always a pleasure to get in the ring with him.
With Zelina Vega on his side on NXT and now SmackDown Live, "El Idolo" is embracing the confident, cocky attitude successfully, and there’s no denying that the former NXT Champion’s ceiling is as high as any superstar’s in WWE, provided the creative books him to his potential.
#4 Pete Dunne (24)
The current and longest reigning WWE United Kingdom Champion, Pete Dunne has successfully transformed from a high flyer to a relentless brawler who will go to any extent to inflict pain upon his opponent. Be it his debut as an obnoxious heel or his current babyface run, Dunne's popularity among the fans is increasing every day with "The Bruiserweight" defending the UK Title on various independent promotions as well.
Pete Dunne symbolizes skills, determination, and fight, with his mastery of making the audience believe that not only can he beat them up, but he would relish the opportunity to do so.
As prominent as he's been performing on NXT, fans would love to see him on the main roster mixing up with huger wrestlers, and if he does remain a permanent member of the main roster, he doesn’t just have to face Cruiserweight talent.
#3 Ricochet (29)
Ricochet's arrival in NXT ranks as one of the most significant signings in the brand's history. A 12-year veteran of the independent wrestling industry, Ricochet is unquestionably the most innovative high-flyer with his aerial mastery and unbelievable athleticism wowing the WWE Universe since day one.
Being one of the most "over" babyfaces of NXT, Ricochet enjoys tremendous fan support and gets an enormous ovation from the crowd every time he steps into the ring.
The "One and Only" has showcased his superior wrestling skills for more than a decade. A little improvement on the microphone can lead him a long and successful career in WWE.
#2 Velveteen Dream (22)
Velveteen Dream's transition from being a Tough Enough competitor to arguably the most beloved superstars in NXT is a classic Cinderella story. After a gruelling yet entertaining rivalry with Aleister Black, which also won the NXT Year-End Award for Rivalry of the Year (2017), Dream has become one of the most ruthless and vicious performers of the promotion.
With a spooky yet intoxicating gimmick, Dream is one of the brightest stars of WWE. Despite his over-the-top behaviour, once the bell rings, his in-ring work is top notch and can make any wrestler look good.
Below are a few excerpts from Edge’s statements on Dream:
I hadn’t seen much of Velveteen Dream but I watched him and Aleister Black. That kid’s been working 3 years, for 3 years to be where he’s at is incredible. He’s going to be a player, it was really fun to watch. It was a fun match and I thought there were a lot of cool false finishes and like I said for 3 years in or whatever, he’s going to be a good one.
His main-roster call-up is highly awaited, and there is not a shadow of a doubt that Velveteen Dream will excel as a top guy of the company.
#1 Adam Cole (29)
Even before arriving in WWE, Adam Cole had already made a mark on the pro-wrestling industry during his time in ROH, where he became a three-time ROH World Champion and was the first wrestler to achieve this feat.
After making his NXT debut at Takeover: Brooklyn III last year, Cole has been on a role gaining fan support day by day and making the best of all storylines and feuds. Alongside Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly,, he formed "The Undisputed Era," which is undoubtedly the best faction in WWE today. They even recruited Roderick Strong in the process.
Triple H offered some high praise to the NXT star.
I think he plays a very big role, probably, in what WWE will be over the [next few] years. He’s a very talented young man, lot of charisma. That’s the thing that I would say first. Talented in-ring performer, absolutely, but the charisma and the character, that’s there. Great human being, too.
With WWE recognizing him at the time as the first ever double champion in NXT history in the form of NXT North American Championship and NXT Tag-team Championship, Adam Cole is one of the brightest prospects of the company. A technically gifted wrestler with unparalleled mic skills and charisma is sure to make him the next poster boy in the coming years.
Did we miss out on any names? Voice your names in the comments below!
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