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With the upcoming move to the USA Network, NXT is no longer the 'developmental brand' of WWE. NXT is undoubtedly one of the best brands in wrestling today. The Yellow and Black brand is the perfect mash-up of simple, old-school storytelling and new-age athleticism which makes for an engrossing watch every single week.
NXT's weekly TV show has been one of the most-watched shows on WWE Network and it is easy to see why that it is the case.
Some of the best WWE matches over the past few years have come under the NXT banner. Triple H's pet project has a rabid fanbase which is only increased after the show moves to Cable TV in two weeks.
It will be interesting to see the ratings that NXT can pull off in its debut episode on the USA Network. Anything near or above 1 million would be a huge win for WWE in our opinion.
While the current NXT roster is one of the best in the business at the moment, we expect the company to sign a few big independent stars in the coming months to give them an edge over their competition as we get set for the upcoming TV rating battle on Wednesday Nights.
Here are five wrestlers who would be a perfect fit for the Yellow and Black brand:
#5 The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelly and Chris Sabin)
One of the greatest tag teams to have never worked in WWE, the team of Alex Shelly and Chris Sabin, collectively known as The Motor City Machine Guns, have won championships in every promotion that they have been a part of. Sabin was recently spotted guest coaching at WWE's Performance Centre.
Apart from being a highly successful tag team competitor, Sabin has also tasted huge success as a singles star. He was the backbone of TNA/ IMPACT's X-Division for a long time, winning the X-Division Championship a record eight times.
Sabin reached the zenith of his singles career when he defeated Bully Ray to win the TNA World Heavyweight Championship at Destination X 2013.
With the Street Profits potentially leaving NXT for the main roster, the Yellow and Black need new tag teams who can step up to the plate and challenge The Undisputed Era.
Shelly and Sabin could very well be that team. Besides, there is also the potential of Shelly re-uniting with his former Time Splitters partner, Kushida and the trio joining forces to combat The Undisputed Era's dominance in NXT.
#4 John Morrison
The man with the most ring-names in the business, John Hennigan fka John Morrison in WWE has had a pretty successful career ever since leaving the company in 2012. Morrison has been a major star in both the US and Mexico. He was a top star in AAA winning multiple champions in the promotion under the name ' Johnny Mundo'.
The Guru of Greatness also appeared in Lucha Underground where is a former Lucha Underground Champion.
Following his stint in Mexico and American indies, Morission would sign with IMPACT in 2017. He defeated Austin Aries at Bound for Glory 2018 to win the IMPACT World Championship. He would hold onto the title for seven months before dropping it to Brian Cage at IMPACT's Rebellion pay-per-view in April. Morisson left the promotion following his loss to Rich Swann at Slammiversary. Morrison hasn't ruled out a return to WWE and has always been complimentary towards Vince McMahon & Co.
Morrison would be a valuable addition to the current NXT roster. Much like Drew McIntyre before him, Morrison was once touted to be a big star in the company. While he ends up winning numerous titles during his first stint with the company, he has become a main event star since leaving the company. He could also be a mentor to the young, upcoming talent on NXT with his experience of working Live TV.
#3 Tessa Blanchard
One of the best women's wrestlers on the planet right now, the daughter of Tully Blanchard has been the MVP of IMPACT Wrestling for the past year and a half. The former IMPACT Knockouts Champion is stealing shows left, right and center.
Her match against Gail Kim at the start of the year was without a question one of the best women's matches of 2019. But, what makes Tessa stand out is the fact that she is going at it with the men.
Blanchard's feud against Sami Callihan has been nothing short of scintillating. The duo's match at IMPACT's Slammiveersary event received widespread acclaim from both fans and critics.
Even though Blanchard lost to Callihan in the aforementioned bout, she came out of it as an even bigger star. Her grit, determination and never say die attitude is nothing short of inspiring. Blanchard is destined for bigger and better things, which is why we feel she should make the move to WWE shortly.
As great as she has been for IMPACT and vice versa, there just aren't many people watching IMPACT at the moment. Despite the recent change in their fortune, at least creatively, the promotion isn't in great shape, financially and their future hangs in balance especially after the entire controversy surrounding their TV deal with AXS TV.
Blanchard would be a better fit for NXT which is thriving, but is in dire need of some big names who can take it to the next level. Blanchard is the biggest name in women's wrestling outside WWE and is someone who can take NXT's women's division back to its glory days of 2015-16.
#2 Tetsuya Naito
One of the biggest gripes that we have with New Japan is how the company has mishandled Tetsuya Naito.
The Leader of Los Ignorables de Japon is one of the most charismatic stars in the business and incredibly over with fans but the company has never believed in the guy which has resulted in stop-start pushes. Naito is currently stuck in the mid-card limbo and it seems highly unlikely that he will ever get out of it.
Naito has been on WWE's radar for a while now. It was reported late last year the company had reached out to the current IWGP Intercontinental Champion but apparently, Naito turned down the offer. Naito has been fiercely loyal to New Japan and spoken out how he feels about the company on numerous occasions. But, given how the company has treated him over the past few years, something has got to give at the end.
Naito would be a huge catch for WWE. Him coming to NXT would be a huge rating draw as the New Japan sensation is well-known to the hardcore wrestling fans all around the world. Just think of the dream matches that Naito could have against the likes of Tomasso Ciampa, Adam Cole, Johnny Gargano, and Roderick Strong.
#1 Marty Scurll
The Leader of The Villian Enterprises, Marty Scrull has been the biggest victim of Ring of Honour's short-sightedness. Despite being the most over star in the company, Scrull finds himself in meaningless tag matches when he should be challenging for the World Title.
Scurll was apart of the historic ROH World Championship Ladder Match at the G1 Supercard back in April against Matt Taven and Jay Lethal. Many feel that Scrull should've won the title at MSG.
If there is one company which has been most adversely affected by the formation of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), it is without a question been Ring of Honor. The departure of Cody, SCU, The Young Bucks, and Hangman Page has left the company in tatters. ROH's live event attendance has seen a steep decline since the departure of ' The Elite'.
Scurll's current contract with ROH reportedly ends in September following which the Brit would become a free agent. While fans are excepting to see The Villian join his Elite cohorts at AEW but we believe that NXT would be a better fit for the former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.
Scurll is one of the most well-known names in the independent circuit and him coming to NXT would be a huge boost for the black and gold brand as they prepare for the impending Wednesday Night Wars.
